Trump Considers Large-Scale Airstrike Plan to Neutralize Iran's Ballistic Missile Threat

US President Donald Trump is weighing a significant military operation proposed by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan McKenzie to neutralize the primary regional threat posed by Iran's ballistic missiles. The plan, developed by US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, envisions a 10 to 14-day extensive air campaign aimed at crippling Iran's missile capabilities and shifting from limited retaliatory strikes to a sustained offensive. This strategy seeks to reduce reliance on missile interceptors by the US and regional allies, including Israel, by preventing Iran from threatening them with missile attacks.

The operational plan was presented to Trump during a discussion aboard Air Force One following a ceremony for four fallen American soldiers. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General McKenzie also participated in the briefing. Trump must decide whether to approve the broad strikes or continue with more limited military responses. US Central Command officials believe previous strikes have failed to deter Iran, which continues to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and launch missiles at US forces.

General McKenzie cautioned about potential second- and third-order consequences of expanding the conflict, including concerns over dwindling interceptor missile stocks needed globally. Despite these risks, he emphasized that the shortage does not preclude a large-scale operation but increases its dangers. While Trump has not made a final decision, a senior administration official described his current stance as escalating, with Trump recently warning of a powerful US response following the latest missile attack. Nonetheless, the president remains open to diplomatic efforts.