29/10/2026
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29/10/2026
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WASHINGTON, Oct 29: US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Adm. Brad Cooper briefed President Donald Trump on military options against Iran during a White House meeting on Thursday, as the administration weighs the possibility of resuming major combat operations, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The meeting was attended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and other Cabinet members, according to the newspaper, which cited US officials and people familiar with the discussions.
The meeting followed a separate gathering on Wednesday involving Vice President JD Vance and military officials at the White House, the report said.
The discussions come amid growing indications that Washington is preparing for the possibility of renewed military action against Tehran following the US and Israeli bombing campaign earlier this year. US Reinforces Military Presence in Middle East
US Reinforces Military Presence in Middle East
According to the report, the United States has increased air defenses, ammunition and other military supplies in the Middle East in recent weeks while moving some personnel away from bases considered vulnerable to potential Iranian retaliation.
The military preparations are part of broader contingency planning as the Trump administration considers its next steps toward Iran. US officials have also reportedly discussed the possibility of a renewed campaign following the November 3 US midterm elections.
Earlier reports by CNN said US forces in the region were preparing for the possibility of major operations against Iran, potentially targeting military facilities, energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if Trump orders an attack. The timing and scope of any operation remain uncertain.
No Confirmed Decision to Resume War
The latest briefing does not mean that Trump has decided to launch another military campaign. The administration continues to weigh its options, while diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations with Tehran have also been reported.
The Pentagon and CENTCOM declined to comment to The Wall Street Journal on the latest meeting, according to the newspaper.
Any renewed US strikes could trigger Iranian retaliation against American forces and facilities across the region, adding to security concerns among Gulf states.
For now, Washington's military preparations signal that further action remains an option, but the timing and extent of any potential campaign have not been officially confirmed.
