General Brad Cooper, the head of the U.S. Central Command who has overseen military operations concerning Iran, has briefed U.S. President Donald Trump on military options against Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

U.S. officials and individuals directly familiar with the meeting told the WSJ that Gen. Cooper delivered a direct briefing to President Trump during a meeting held at the White House on the 29th (local time).

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, and other cabinet members were reportedly in attendance.

One source noted that military generals had also met with Vice President JD Vance the previous day.

The WSJ pointed out that because it is rare for the Central Command chief to report directly to President Trump, this meeting could suggest that the U.S. is moving closer to resuming large-scale military operations.

Previously, Gen. Cooper had briefed President Trump on Iran military options aboard Air Force One right after attending a dignified transfer ceremony for fallen U.S. service members at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on July 23.

The WSJ noted that signs pointing to an imminent resumption of U.S. strikes against Iran are emerging from multiple fronts, including President Trump's remark during a rally in Florida on the 23rd where he stated, "We could do another little Operation Epic Fury."

In recent weeks, the U.S. Department of Defense has laid the groundwork for new airstrike operations by sending additional air defense equipment, ammunition, and supplies to the Middle East, while withdrawing some troops from U.S. bases deemed vulnerable to potential Iranian counterattacks.

Additionally, the U.S. Army is moving additional Patriot missile batteries to Israel to help protect the country.

Iran has also threatened that if U.S. attacks resume, it will strike targets belonging to the U.S. and its allied Gulf nations in the Middle East and target U.S. personnel in the region.

While preparing for a resumption of attacks, the Trump administration is also moving to use the threat as leverage to pressure Iran into negotiations.

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