Washington DC [US], April 30 (ANI): CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper is set to brief US President Donald Trump as the US military considers a new wave of operations in Iran, Axios reported.
The proposals reflect a US willingness to deliver a decisive blow as a fragile ceasefire stalls. Axios says one plan calls for a “short and powerful” series of strikes on Iranian infrastructure to break the deadlock. Another envisions seizing control of the Strait of Hormuz and reopening it to commercial traffic. A final element would deploy special forces to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine is also expected to attend Thursday’s briefing, sources told Axios.
In an exclusive interview with Axios, Trump indicated the naval blockade used to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme would continue. “The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told Axios.
Axios reported Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to first reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade before holding nuclear talks. He has insisted Iran address US concerns before any easing of restrictions and has said he could consider military action if Iran refuses to negotiate.
A study by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says Tehran is unlikely to yield on its recent proposals to the US regarding the Strait of Hormuz. ISW notes the hardline stance promoted by IRGC boss Major General Ahmad Vahidi now dominates Tehran’s decision-making. Iran appears unwilling to concede control over the Strait or its nuclear programme. Mainstream Iranian politicians are consolidating around avoiding nuclear discussions until the US lifts the naval blockade on Iranian ports.
ISW adds there is limited opposition to Vahidi within other regime factions. Tehran may be attempting to reframe and legitimize its claim over the Strait by proposing a scheme with Oman to collect tolls on shipping, allowing Iran to present a “new proposal” to the US without abandoning red lines.
Trump on Wednesday described the US naval blockade as “genius,” saying Tehran would have to concede unless it abandons its nuclear ambitions. “The blockade is genius. The blockade has been 100% foolproof. It shows how good our Navy is, I can tell you that. Nobody’s going to play games. We have the greatest military in the world and I built much of it during my first term and we’ve been building it since and the greatest anywhere in the world, nobody even close,” Trump said. (ANI)
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