According to the Axios, the briefing signals that Trump is seriously considering resuming major combat operations — either to break the logjam in nuclear negotiations or to deliver a final blow before ending the war, Axios reported.
Three Military Options on the Table
According to Axios, which cited three sources with knowledge, CENTCOM has prepared a plan for a "short and powerful" wave of strikes on Iran — likely targeting infrastructure — in hopes of forcing Tehran back to the negotiating table with greater flexibility on the nuclear issue.
A second plan presented to Trump focuses on taking control of part of the Strait of Hormuz in order to reopen it to commercial shipping. That operation could involve ground forces, one source told Axios.
A third option, previously discussed and potentially on Thursday's agenda, involves a special forces operation to secure Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to the Axios report.
Blockade Remains Trump's Primary Lever
Trump told Axios on Wednesday that he views the naval blockade on Iran as "somewhat more effective than the bombing." Two sources said Trump currently sees the blockade as his primary source of leverage, but would consider military action if Iran still refuses to make concessions.
U.S. military planners are also weighing the possibility that Iran could retaliate against American forces in the region in response to the blockade, Axios noted.
Historical Parallel
Admiral Cooper gave Trump a similar briefing on February 26 — two days before the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran. One source close to Trump told Axios that briefing contributed to Trump's decision to go to war.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment.