Washington Seeks New Ways to Pressure Iran as CENTCOM Asks Analysts for Unconventional Ideas

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is evaluating new options to increase pressure on Iran, after the military campaign carried out so far failed to bring Tehran back to negotiations on Washington’s terms.

According to CNN, a senior intelligence officer at the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has asked military analysts to propose “new, creative and unconventional ideas” for increasing pressure on Iran.

The email sent to the analysts calls for identifying other methods to “punish” Iran and push it to change its position. Sources close to the U.S. military described the initiative as unusual.

CENTCOM spokesman Captain Timothy Hawkins said the command has a long tradition of seeking innovative solutions. He added that its commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, encourages participation from all personnel, regardless of rank.

The request was made at a time when the United States has carried out a large number of airstrikes against targets in Iran, but without persuading Tehran to accept an agreement.

Reports indicate that Trump has also considered the possibility of a new round of bombings against Iranian nuclear facilities, including those located deep underground. However, military experts believe that even the most powerful conventional weapons would not be sufficient to completely destroy these structures.

According to sources familiar with the military plans, a ground intervention would pose an extremely high risk. For this reason, the U.S. president is not prepared to authorize the deployment of troops to Iran.

Meanwhile, assessments by the CIA and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) conclude that the current air campaign is unlikely to influence Iran’s position in negotiations.

General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, has also stated that airpower has limitations. According to him, bombing alone cannot achieve all the strategic objectives set by the White House.

CNN sources say the Trump administration is still considering various scenarios, including expanding the attacks or maintaining pressure at its current level. The objective remains to reach an agreement with Iran without becoming involved in a prolonged ground conflict.