US President Donald Trump has received a briefing on possible military action against Iran as his administration weighs whether to resume major combat operations after the November 3 midterm elections.
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), presented several options during a White House meeting on Thursday attended by senior military and administration officials, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Cooper was joined by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine. Other Cabinet members also attended the meeting, which covered additional matters, the newspaper reported.
Cooper’s visit was considered unusual because he rarely meets Trump in person at the White House. The meeting comes as Washington considers possible military action against Iran, although the president has not made a final decision.
US Officials Discuss Military and Economic Options
The Wall Street Journal reported that senior military leaders presented several plans for potential action against Iran.
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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also briefed officials on the economic implications of a possible blockade and additional sanctions against Tehran.
The Pentagon and CENTCOM declined to comment on the meeting, according to the newspaper.
Gulf States Reportedly Warned About Post-Election Campaign
The briefing follows reports that the Trump administration has warned several Arab Gulf countries to prepare for a possible short but intense military campaign against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections.
Two diplomats briefed on the matter told the Associated Press that Trump was considering potential strikes against Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities. The Wall Street Journal had also previously reported the possibility of renewed military action.
Trump has not announced a final decision. However, he has indicated publicly that military action remains an option if Iran does not agree to terms that would prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
At a rally last week, Trump referred to the possibility of another military campaign, saying: “We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they’ll agree.”
His remarks referred to the major US and Israeli bombing campaign against Iran earlier this year.
Trump Says Iran Conflict Could End Quickly
Trump has sought to reassure voters during campaign appearances across the United States that the conflict could end soon, while continuing to warn Tehran about possible renewed attacks.
Speaking at an event in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Trump was asked when the war with Iran would end.
“Whenever I want it to end,” he said, adding that it would be “very quick” but must conclude properly, with Iran prevented from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon.
According to the report, the United States has not carried out a strike against Iran since early September.
However, the conflict has continued to affect the wider region, including through attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure and airports.
The war has reportedly cost an estimated $47 billion and remains at a standstill, with no ceasefire or peace agreement in sight.
Chris Murphy Criticises Reported Plans for Renewed Strikes
Reports of possible post-election military action have drawn criticism from Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who warned that renewed strikes could trigger another cycle of escalation.
In a post on X on Thursday, Murphy said Trump was reportedly planning to restart the war after the elections. He added that some lawmakers had received a briefing on the military plan but could not disclose its details.
Murphy described the reported strategy as “insane”, arguing that it would fail to achieve its objectives and could lead to further escalation.
Meanwhile, Republican strategist Karl Rove also suggested that Trump could resume military action after Election Day.
Speaking to Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, Rove said the president had “sort of signaled it”.
Despite the reports and warnings, the Trump administration has yet to announce whether it will launch another military campaign against Iran.
