Brad Cooper, Commander of US Central Command, recommended halting bombing operations around the Strait of Hormuz targeting Iran this week (local time 20-24th), according to US online media outlet Axios on the 26th. Cooper assessed that the effectiveness of the operations had reached its limits. The commander evaluated that Iran's ship attack capability was significantly weakened after two weeks of US airstrikes, and diagnosed that most bombing targets had been eliminated.
Cooper Assesses Iran's Weakened Capability and Proposes Next Steps
Commander Cooper evaluated that US airstrikes over the past two weeks significantly weakened Iran's ship attack capability. He diagnosed that most bombing targets had disappeared.
As a next step, Cooper proposed resuming large-scale combat operations to complete the remaining 20% of targets that US forces did not strike during Operation Prosperity Guardian in late February. Cooper emphasized that without such large-scale operations, there was no reason to continue the same bombing operations conducted over the past two weeks.
This recommendation was delivered to the White House, Department of Defense, and Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Trump Halts Airstrikes Following Military Recommendations
US President Donald Trump halted airstrikes against Iran at a meeting on the 24th.
Axios cited sources stating that "for several days before the meeting, Trump was leaning toward returning to large-scale combat operations, but his thinking began to change from Thursday evening (23rd)." The outlet explained that "the opinions of Commander Cooper and other staff influenced President Trump's decision to temporarily suspend airstrikes against Iran on Friday (24th)."
Axios added that this represented "an acknowledgment by the president's military and civilian staff that there are limits to what can be achieved through military action, especially air campaigns alone."
Joint Chiefs Chairman Warns of Missile Shortage Risks
According to Axios, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine warned President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth that shortages of air defense interceptor missiles could impair the ability to defend US forces and allies in the Middle East.
Iran and Oman Pursue Strait of Hormuz Reopening Agreement
Axios reported that Iran and Oman are currently pursuing a new agreement to safely reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the outlet assessed that it remains uncertain whether President Trump will accept the new agreement. Axios emphasized that if Trump does not accept it, the conflict could escalate again.
FAQ
Why did US CENTCOM Commander Cooper recommend halting the bombing operations?
Commander Brad Cooper recommended halting the operations because he assessed that their effectiveness had reached its limits. After two weeks of US airstrikes, Cooper evaluated that Iran's ship attack capability was significantly weakened and most bombing targets had been eliminated, making continued operations of the same type unnecessary without escalating to large-scale combat operations.
What alternative did Cooper propose after recommending the halt?
Cooper proposed resuming large-scale combat operations to complete the remaining 20% of targets that US forces did not strike during Operation Prosperity Guardian in late February. He emphasized that without such large-scale operations, there was no justification to continue the limited bombing campaigns conducted over the previous two weeks.
