President Donald Trump is scheduled to receive a briefing on Thursday from the head of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, regarding new plans for possible military action against Iran, according to a report by Axios on Wednesday. The report, citing unidentified sources, indicates that the White House and US Central Command have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Details of the Military Plans
According to Axios, CENTCOM has developed a plan for a "short and powerful" wave of strikes on Iran, which would likely target infrastructure. This comes amid a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war that began three weeks ago. The conflict started on February 28 when the US and Israel attacked Iran, prompting Iranian retaliatory strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced millions.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
Trump has previously threatened to destroy Iran's civilian infrastructure. International law experts warn that such strikes could constitute war crimes. The 1949 Geneva Conventions, which govern humanitarian conduct in war, prohibit attacks on sites deemed essential for civilian survival.
Strait of Hormuz Operation
Another plan to be presented to Trump focuses on seizing part of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen it for commercial shipping. This operation may involve ground forces. The Iran war, which remains unpopular in the US, has disrupted global markets and driven up oil prices. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for about 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has nearly come to a standstill.
Nuclear Program and Negotiations
Washington hopes that military pressure will make Iran more flexible in nuclear negotiations. Another option that may be discussed is a special forces operation to secure Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Trump has described Iran's nuclear program as an imminent threat. Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons but insists on its right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, is also expected to attend Thursday's briefing, as reported by Axios.
