The U.S. military has reportedly requested ideas from internal analysts to find new ways to pressure Iran.
According to CNN on August 2, a senior officer from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) sent an email last week to several military analysts, stating, "We are looking for new, creative, and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran."
Military officials noted that soliciting operational ideas through email is unusual. One source indicated that CENTCOM is reassessing existing strategies and reviewing all possible options.
Timothy Hawkins, a spokesperson for CENTCOM, stated, "Commander Brad Cooper is seeking input from all members, regardless of rank, to enhance operational effectiveness."
The idea solicitation comes as President Donald Trump was considering additional airstrikes against Iran. Reports suggest that Trump aimed to launch new attacks over the weekend but canceled them after regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, urged for de-escalation.
The U.S. has conducted airstrikes to weaken Iran's capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz and to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, but has not achieved significant results. The CIA and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) have reportedly assessed that current bombing strategies are unlikely to change Iran's negotiating stance.
The U.S. military has also considered additional strikes targeting Iran's underground nuclear facilities. However, these facilities are deeply buried, making them difficult to destroy with conventional weapons, and deploying ground troops could increase the risk of U.S. casualties and prolonged conflict.
CENTCOM has developed plans for large-scale airstrikes over one to two weeks to neutralize Iran's missile capabilities. However, Trump has postponed these plans due to concerns over reduced stockpiles of air defense missiles and the potential for significant civilian casualties.
There have also been discussions about launching strikes against previously targeted facilities or similar targets to declare a symbolic victory. However, critics argue that such limited airstrikes would not effectively address Iran's nuclear program or control over the Strait of Hormuz.
A source involved in recent military planning discussions stated, "President Trump will likely seek to end the conflict through negotiation while maintaining a tough stance. As existing options diminish, new approaches are necessary."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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