Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, head of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), on Thursday briefed President Trump on potential military options against Iran, with Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine present, ABC News reported.
The options reportedly range from limited strikes on ballistic missile launchers and nuclear facilities aimed at pressuring Tehran, to broader sustained operations that could involve Israel and carry risks of escalation or regime change.
“It was not clear as of Thursday that such a plan has been embraced by Trump, who is said to be growing increasingly frustrated with Iran’s refusal to agree to his demands to halt uranium enrichment and cap its ballistic missile program,” the report said.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly dismissed speculation about the president’s intentions.
“The media may continue to speculate on the President’s thinking all they want, but only President Trump knows what he may or may not do,” she said.
US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, makes an announcement aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea February 7, 2026