US Admiral Advises Ending Strikes on Iran, Influencing Trump to Halt Attacks

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), recommended stopping American airstrikes around the Strait of Hormuz, stating they had reached the limit of their effectiveness. This recommendation reportedly influenced President Donald Trump to order a halt to US attacks against Iran over the weekend. Cooper believed continuing the current airstrike campaign was futile unless the US resumed broader combat operations to complete the remaining 20% of targets not hit during Operation "Epic Rage."

Additionally, General Dan Keane, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, privately warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump that a shortage of air defense interceptors could undermine the protection of US and allied forces in the region. Earlier reports from CBS indicated that Trump paused the strikes on Friday amid expectations of significant escalation in Israel, as Omani officials traveled to Tehran for talks closely monitored by the US.

Regional sources told CBS the strikes were deliberately suspended to avoid disrupting delicate face-to-face diplomacy between Oman and Iran. Progress was reported in discussions about reopening the Strait of Hormuz and territorial waterways, though diplomats said more time was needed to reach an agreement. Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would maintain the ceasefire as long as the US did the same, though skepticism remained. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz noted in a Fox News interview that Trump was "giving some space for talks," reflecting a temporary de-escalation in hostilities.