Top US commander Cooper briefs Trump on options for a new operation against Iran

The United States is considering launching a new large-scale military operation against Iran. On Thursday local time, Admiral Brad Cooper, the top US military commander in the Middle East, briefed President Donald Trump on various military operation options, according to several US officials and people familiar with the meeting. Such a direct briefing at the White House is seen as a rare event in the decision-making process on a military operation.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Cooper was joined at the meeting by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine. Other cabinet members also took part. Those familiar with the matter said the discussion covered the Iran situation as well as other issues, including the ongoing US blockade in the Middle East.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance met military officials at the White House, and a source said Iran was also discussed at that meeting. The Journal had previously reported that the Trump administration is considering a short but intense military operation against Iran after the US midterm elections, and that administration officials have told Arab Gulf states to be prepared. At the same time, the paper said, Vance has been in contact with one of Iran's influential hardline leaders in an effort to bring peace negotiators back to the table.

At a campaign rally last week, Trump hinted at a new military operation against Iran, saying: 'We might do a little "Epic Fury" again. Or they'll come to a deal.' 'Epic Fury' was the name of the extensive US and Israeli bombing operation against Iran this spring.

Admiral Cooper, head of US Central Command in the Middle East, does not normally brief the president directly on the military situation. His visit to the White House this time is therefore being seen as a possible sign that the US is advancing preparations for a major military operation against Iran. Cooper previously met Trump aboard Air Force One in Delaware last July, accompanied by Defense Secretary Hegseth and General Caine.

A Pentagon spokesperson and a spokesperson for Cooper's US Central Command declined to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, concern is growing among US lawmakers over the possibility of renewed military conflict with Iran. Several lawmakers fear the Trump administration may soon resume military operations against Tehran. Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said he had already been briefed on some of the secret military plans. Calling the plans 'insane' in a speech at the Middle East Institute on Wednesday, he said: 'This will lead to a terrible spread of conflict and will likely destroy our commitment to the rule of law.'

Iran, for its part, has threatened to strike a wide range of US and Gulf-state targets across the Middle East in response to any US attack. Tehran has conveyed that position both publicly and through diplomatic channels.

Iran has resumed ballistic missile production using parts stored in underground facilities, and has stepped up efforts to target US military personnel in the Middle East. Against that backdrop, the Pentagon has increased deployments of military equipment and personnel to the region over the past few weeks as preparation for a renewed bombing campaign. Additional air defence systems, ammunition and necessary supplies have been sent to the region. Some US troops have also been moved from several bases at risk of attack, to reduce their exposure in a possible strike.

In addition, the US Army has begun the process of sending an additional Patriot missile defence battery to Israel to strengthen its missile defences. The step comes amid concern over shortages in US interceptor stockpiles, and the US is working to rush fresh supplies to fill gaps in Israel's defences.