US CENTCOM Chief Backs Renewed Combat Against Iran, Targeting Infrastructure

U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper has expressed support for resuming combat operations against Iran and suggested targeting the country's infrastructure could force Tehran to back down. Channel 13 Hebrew reported that Cooper sent a message to senior Israeli military officials and U.S. administration officials endorsing renewed fighting.

Cooper believes a third round of attacks could compel Iran to moderate its stance. He stated that "victory over Iran can be reinforced by a wave of attacks on infrastructure sites, bridges, power stations, and the economy." This proposal was reportedly presented by Cooper during a previous visit to Israel, where he attended a meeting of the Israeli military's top operational forum. He indicated a high probability that the U.S. might need to resume combat and would require Israel's participation in joint strikes.

Cooper oversees U.S. operations in the Middle East from his command in Tampa, Florida. He previously described the U.S. "Epic Fury" campaign as "unexpected, dynamic, and decisive." A fragile two-week truce between Washington and Tehran was in effect in April, during which Cooper noted the military was adapting its methods. The U.S. and Iran exchanged further strikes between July 8 and July 24. Mid-July, Cooper stated the latest U.S. military action followed Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and neighboring Gulf states.

These statements come amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and gas transit route, and disagreements between Tehran and Washington over maritime security and control of the strait.