developing· Security· Updated 22:50

US Military Leaders Present Iran Attack Options to Trump

On Thursday, October 29, 2026, U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper briefed President Donald Trump at the White House on military options for potential strikes against Iran. The unusual direct briefing was also attended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine. The presented options reportedly include extensive strikes on strategic infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile systems within Iran, though no military operation has been approved.

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What happened

01CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper presented President Donald Trump with military options for potential strikes against Iran.
02The military options presented to President Trump include extensive strikes on Iranian strategic infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile systems.
03Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine also attended the high-level White House briefing.
04The United States instructed several Gulf states to prepare for a swift and intense military campaign following the midterm elections.
05The Pentagon deployed an additional Patriot missile battery and extra air defenses to Israel while moving troops from vulnerable regional bases.
06President Trump dismissed reports of Vice President J.D. Vance attempting to revive nuclear negotiations with Iran, claiming the talks concerned medical equipment.
07Iran threatened to retaliate against U.S. and Gulf targets if attacked, and has reportedly resumed ballistic missile production.
08U.S. Senator Chris Murphy criticized the proposed military plans, calling them crazy and warning of a destructive regional escalation.

The high-level briefing followed a meeting on Wednesday between military leaders and Vice President J.D. Vance. While reports from The New York Times indicated that Vance had sent a letter to Iran's Supreme National Security Council Chairman Mohsen Rezaei proposing to lead nuclear negotiations, President Trump downplayed these diplomatic efforts, stating the discussions were solely about medical equipment.

In preparation for a potential escalation, the United States has instructed several Gulf states to prepare for a swift and intense military campaign. The Pentagon has reinforced its Middle East presence, moving troops from vulnerable bases and deploying additional air defenses, munitions, and an extra Patriot missile battery to Israel. The White House has also urged Israel to maintain political stability in light of the situation.

In response, Iran has issued warnings that it will retaliate against a wide range of U.S. and Gulf state targets if strikes are initiated, and has reportedly resumed ballistic missile production. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy criticized the military plans, calling them crazy and warning of a destructive escalation.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 5 newsrooms. Updated 22:32

Latest report: Channel 13. Read Channel 13’s original