CENTCOM briefs Trump on new plan of strikes on Iran: Axios report
Washington DC, May 1
US President Donald Trump on Thursday received a briefing on new plans of strikes on Iran by the CENTCOM, Axios reported.
Two US officials told Axios that the briefing by CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper and Chairperson of the Joint Chiefs lasted for around 45 minutes.
Earlier on Wednesday (local time), Axios reported that the new possible military operations indicate US's willingness to exert a final blow to Iran amid the fragile ceasefire.
As per Axios, the briefing pertains to a plan prepared by the CENTCOM a "short and powerful" wave of strikes on Iran likely including infrastructure targets to break the ice as the ceasefire has reached a stalemate".
Another plan is to 'take over' the Strait of Hormuz and open it to commercial shipping. The final aspect of the plan is a special forces operation to secure Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Earlier, in an exclusive interview with Axios, Trump indicated that the blockade which is being used as a key tool 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.
According to Axios, Trump rejected Iran's proposal to first reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade before holding nuclear talks. Instead, he has insisted that Iran address US concerns before any easing of restrictions.
The report added that while Trump currently views the blockade as his primary leverage, he could consider military action if Iran does not agree to negotiations.
Meanwhile, a study by Think Tank- Institute for the Study of War has pointed out that Tehran is unlikely to bend any further in its fresh proposals to the US on the Strait of Hormuz. According to ISW, the hardline position advocated by IRGC boss Major General Ahmad Vahidi is now the dominating point of view in Tehran.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, all these reports about strikes and blockades—it's just the same old sabre-rattling. But let's not forget that Iran is a major partner for India (Chabahar Port, connectivity to Afghanistan). We have huge strategic interests here. The US should think twice before destabilising the region further. We need peace, not more war.
I've been following this closely. Trump's blockade strategy is brutal but it's worked—they've squeezed Iran's economy to the point where even hardliners are feeling the pinch. But a "short and powerful" strike? That's a risky gamble. It could easily spiral into a wider conflict, and with Russia and China backing Tehran, it won't be a clean win. India should stay neutral but prepare for worst-case scenarios.
As someone who works in shipping, the Strait of Hormuz is the world's most critical chokepoint—nearly 20% of global oil passes through it. If the US actually tries to "take it over," it's basically an act of war. The economic ripple effect on India, which imports over 80% of its oil, would be catastrophic. We're talking fuel prices doubling overnight. This is madness.
I feel for the ordinary Iranian people who are already suffering under sanctions. The IRGC's hardline stance is equally to blame—they're dragging the whole country into confrontation. But the US hasn't exactly offered a dignified exit. It's a tragic deadlock. India should use its good offices with both nations to mediate—we have credibility on both sides. 🇮🇳
R Raghav A The bold plan to We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.