CENTCOM Chief Briefs Trump on Military Options Against Iran

The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East presented President Donald Trump with military action options against Iran on Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing informed U.S. officials. The meeting, a rare personal visit by a high-ranking military official to the White House, occurred amid discussions in the U.S. about potentially resuming large-scale combat operations.

Admiral Brad Cooper was joined in the meeting by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This high-level meeting followed a session on Wednesday at the White House where military leaders met with Vice President J.D. Vance, according to one source.

Cooper's personal briefings to the president are infrequent, suggesting the U.S. may be nearing significant military operations. He previously met with Trump in July, participating in a meeting aboard Air Force One in Delaware with Hegseth and Kane.

In recent weeks, the Pentagon has prepared for a potential new bombing campaign by deploying additional air defense assets, munitions, and logistical support to the Middle East. The Wall Street Journal also reported that the U.S. military has relocated some personnel from vulnerable bases to protect them from potential attacks.

Additionally, the U.S. Army is in the process of transferring an additional Patriot missile defense battery to Israel to bolster its air defense capabilities. This move comes amid concerns about a shortage of interceptor missiles, with the U.S. seeking to replenish its stockpiles quickly.