Trump Considers Intensifying Airstrikes on Iran After Missile Attack on US Forces

US President Donald Trump is contemplating a significant escalation of military actions against Iran following the missile attack on American forces on Tuesday, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Thursday night. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US military, presented Trump with an option to carry out 10 to 14 days of intensive airstrikes aimed at degrading Iran's remaining missile capabilities.

Sources cited in the report indicate that Trump has been wavering for weeks between pursuing diplomacy and threatening a broader military campaign similar to the early stages of the US-Israel conflict with Iran. A senior US official stated that Trump is currently "in an escalation mood" but is still "considering the depth of this response."

Admiral Cooper suggested moving beyond the current tit-for-tat airstrikes, which he believes have done little to deter the Iranian Revolutionary Guards from threatening freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and launching missiles at US forces in the region. Cooper argued that a more robust air campaign could reduce Iran's missile threat and break the current stalemate, potentially lowering the need for defensive ammunition.

However, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Keane has frequently warned the White House about the risks of expanding strikes. He expressed concerns about shortages in air defense interceptors, which are critical for protecting US bases and allies worldwide and countering Iranian missile attacks. While Keane acknowledged that low stockpiles would not prevent renewed large-scale combat operations against Iran, he cautioned that it would increase their risks.

In related developments amid rising tensions, the US is expanding production of Patriot missiles. Meanwhile, a political source noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet conveyed his position to Trump regarding the potential escalation.