A senior officer at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) sent an email last week to military analysts requesting new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran, according to multiple reports citing sources familiar with the message.
The request, described as unusual by military officials, was sent on Wednesday to a broad group of analysts and sought alternative strategies to bring Iran to the negotiating table. CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Timothy Hawkins defended the approach, stating that the command has "a long history of thinking and working in innovative ways" and that CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper regularly seeks input from personnel across ranks to improve operational performance.
The email follows weeks of U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, though no agreement has been reached. President Donald Trump has alternately threatened renewed strikes and called off planned attacks after regional allies, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, urged de-escalation.
Diplomatic Efforts and Military Options
Trump has framed the current moment as Iran’s "last chance" to negotiate, though Iranian officials have disputed the existence of ongoing talks. On Monday, Trump stated that the U.S. and Iran were expected to resume discussions concerning the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear program, following regional pressure to avoid further escalation.
Military officials told CNN that CENTCOM is reviewing its broader strategy and considering a wide range of alternatives beyond conventional strikes. U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and Defense Intelligence Agency, have assessed that continued airstrikes are unlikely to significantly alter Iran’s negotiating position, according to sources cited by multiple outlets.
Regional and Domestic Reactions
Retired Gen. Joseph Votel, former CENTCOM commander, described the crowdsourcing effort as "a bit unusual", while emphasizing that the command has historically pursued innovative approaches. The outreach to analysts reflects the challenges facing the Trump administration, which faces three difficult paths: expanding the air campaign, committing troops to riskier ground operations, or accepting a diplomatic outcome that falls short of original objectives.
The request for ideas comes amid reports that Trump had considered "fireworks"-style airstrikes against Iran, similar to strikes conducted last year targeting suspected nuclear weapons sites. However, the president ultimately called off such actions after regional leaders intervened, signaling the complexity of balancing military pressure with diplomatic efforts.
Background: The Ongoing Conflict
The U.S. has conducted weeks of airstrikes aimed at weakening Iran’s regional influence and forcing a return to negotiations. Despite these efforts, no breakthrough has been achieved, and both sides remain at an impasse. The Biden administration, which initially sought to revive the Iran nuclear deal, has since adopted a more assertive stance, including the airstrikes and the recent request for new strategies.
Analysts note that the military’s request for unconventional ideas underscores the limited options available to the U.S. in achieving its stated goals without further escalation. The situation remains fluid, with Trump continuing to weigh military and diplomatic paths forward.