US Military Seeks 'Ideas to Punish Iran' From Analysts

▲ U.S. President Donald Trump

The U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), engaged in a war with Iran, has sent an email to military analysts asking for ideas to punish Iran, CNN reported.

Citing a source familiar with the message, CNN reported that the email requesting ideas was sent to several military analysts on the 29th of last month.

The email stated, "We are looking for new, creative, and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran."

The source stated that the sender of the message was "an officer in the intelligence directorate of U.S. Central Command."

Another source said that a "senior U.S. military officer" sent a message last week seeking new ideas on how to deal with Iran.

Military officials explained that it is unusual for the military to send such crowdsourcing-style inquiries via email.

CNN pointed out that the U.S. military's request for ideas from analysts in this manner demonstrates that President Donald Trump lacks viable ways to force Iran into an agreement of his liking.

According to sources cited by CNN, Central Command has acknowledged the need to reevaluate its strategy and has begun brainstorming via email to find alternatives.

Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson, said in a statement to CNN, "U.S. Central Command has a long history of thinking and working in innovative ways," adding, "In particular, Navy Adm. (Brad) Cooper seeks input from members of our outstanding team, regardless of rank, to achieve the highest possible operational performance."

When the war began with a surprise attack on Iran on February 28, Trump administration officials expressed confidence that Iran could be subdued within weeks, but have failed to achieve their goals for over five months.

Two days after the "ideas wanted" email was sent, on the 31st of last month, President Trump stated during a cabinet meeting, "We're going to hit them very hard," revealing plans to resume massive airstrikes and saying, "At some point, they (Iran) are going to say, 'We can't take it anymore,'" before canceling the airstrike plans the very next day, the 1st.

The United States has continued airstrikes in recent weeks, stating it aims to weaken Iran's ability to disrupt navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and compel it to enter nuclear negotiations, but no signs of an imminent agreement have emerged.

A source familiar with recent planning discussions said, "Ultimately, the president is going to want a deal, so he's going to try to keep hitting them hard while finding a way out," adding, "When conventional options are running out, sometimes creative thinking is required."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

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