Adm. Brad Cooper briefed Donald Trump on Iran military options at the White House
Adm. Brad Cooper, U.S. Central Command chief, briefed Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday about Iran, according to reports citing U.S. officials. The Wall Street Journal reported Cooper presented options for renewed strikes, while Axios said the discussion focused on the naval blockade. Axios also reported Qatar-led mediators were trying to steer Washington and Tehran toward negotiations.
More context
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command and the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, briefed Donald Trump on Iran-related military options during a rare in-person meeting at the White House on Thursday, according to reports citing U.S. officials. Ynetnews reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine also attended. The Wall Street Journal reported that Cooper presented options for renewed strikes; Axios, citing two U.S. officials, said the discussion focused on the naval blockade and whether it was working. Washington and Jerusalem have reportedly considered a short, intensive operation after the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections. Axios said Qatar-led regional mediators are seeking to avert renewed fighting through negotiations. JD Vance told Fox News Trump would not allow the conflict with Iran to become an “endless war.”
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
- Ynetnews — Trump receives rare Iran strike briefing as US weighs renewed war - Ynetnews
- The Jerusalem Post — CENTCOM chief briefs Trump on Iran military options in meeting with Hegseth, Caine - report - The Jerusalem Post
- The Times of Israel — Top US commander briefs Trump on Iran military options as regional buildup grows - The Times of Israel
- CNBC — Iran claims four tankers struck mines in Hormuz as strike fears grow after U.S. midterms - CNBC
- Axios — Top U.S. Middle East commander briefs Trump on Iran blockade - Axios
- fakti.bg — Vance: The conflict with Iran will not become an endless war ᐉ News from Fakti.bg - World - Fakti.bg
Verifier’s note
Ynetnews, The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, CNBC, and Fakti.bg report that CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper briefed Trump on Iran military options, and Axios independently reports his briefing Trump on the Iran war and blockade. The first four attribute their account to the Wall Street Journal; Fakti.bg’s brief mention does not establish separate reporting.