Top admiral briefs Trump on options to resume Iran war as Gulf allies are warned of strikes after the midterms
Donald Trump, JD Vance and Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office in July. Trump has denied that a letter Vance sent to Iran's top security official was intended to revive peace negotiations, insisting it concerned…
Admiral Brad Cooper, the US military's top commander in the Middle East, travelled to the White House in person on Thursday — an uncommon appearance — to present Trump with options for resuming large-scale military action against Iran, joined in the briefing by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine. Several Gulf Arab nations have been advised to expect a short, intense campaign, likely directed at Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites, after the November 3 midterms. No final decision has been taken by Trump, though he told a rally last week: 'We may do another little Epic Fury.'
Pentagon strategist Lt Gen Brett Sylvia was fired by Hegseth after admitting to leaking classified Iran and Ukraine war plans to reporters, failing four polygraphs.
Military leaders also separately met Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Wednesday, while Vance has reportedly made contact with Iranian hardliners in an effort to revive peace talks.
Senator Chris Murphy, briefed on classified planning, called the strike plans 'insane' and warned they would lead to 'devastating escalation'.
