▲ U.S. President Donald Trump
The U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), which is currently at war with Iran, has sent emails to military analysts asking for ideas on how to punish Iran, CNN reported on the 3rd (local time).
Citing a source familiar with the message contents, CNN reported that the email requesting ideas was sent to multiple military analysts on the 29th of last month.
The email included the statement, "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 within USCENTCOM's intelligence directorate."
Another source said that a "senior U.S. military officer" sent a message last week seeking fresh ideas on how to handle Iran.
Military officials explained that it is unusual for the military to make such inquiries via email.
CNN analyzed that the military's request for ideas from analysts in this manner demonstrates that President Donald Trump is struggling to find a viable way to force Iran into an agreement of his liking.
According to sources cited by CNN, Central Command is acknowledging the need to reevaluate its strategy and has initiated brainstorming via email to find alternatives.
Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for Central Command, said in a statement to CNN, "USCENTCOM has a long history of thinking and working in innovative ways," adding, "Particularly, Navy Adm. (Brad) Cooper seeks input from members of our stellar 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 they could subdue Iran within weeks, but more than five months later, they have yet to achieve their objectives.
Two days after the "ideas wanted" email was sent, on the 31st of last month, President Trump stated at a cabinet meeting, "We will hit them very hard," revealing plans to resume massive airstrikes and adding, "At some point, they (Iran) are going to say, 'We can't take it anymore.'" However, the very next day on the 1st, he reversed his stance, stating that the airstrike plans had been canceled.
President Trump reportedly withheld the plan to resume large-scale airstrikes after receiving calls from regional authorities, including Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, urging de-escalation.
The United States has continued airstrikes in recent weeks under the pretext of weakening Iran's capability to disrupt navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and compelling it to return to nuclear negotiations, but no signs of an imminent agreement have emerged yet.
A source familiar with recent planning discussions said, "Ultimately, the president is going to want a deal, so while continuing to lean forward, they will try to find a way out of this," adding, "When conventional options are running dry, sometimes you need creative thinking."
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