CENTCOM seeks ‘creative, unconventional’ ways to punish Iran - report

The Jerusalem Post

US Central Command has requested military analysts to develop unconventional strategies to pressure Iran as the Trump administration reassesses its military options in the Middle East. This directive comes amid concerns that current US airstrikes are failing to alter Tehran's negotiating posture regarding its nuclear program and maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz.

Historically, limited aerial campaigns have struggled to compel Iranian compliance, prompting planners to evaluate more aggressive alternatives. These options include a high-intensity, multi-week bombardment targeting remaining missile capabilities, or high-risk ground operations to neutralize deeply buried nuclear facilities like Pickaxe Mountain. However, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine has warned of dwindling air-defense interceptor stockpiles and potential civilian casualties. While regional leaders like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urge de-escalation, the administration remains caught between avoiding prolonged foreign conflicts and achieving a decisive diplomatic breakthrough.

Comment

The physical limitations of conventional airpower against deeply buried fortifications like Pickaxe Mountain expose a critical gap in the Pentagon's counter-proliferation toolkit. Even if USAF B-2 Spirit bombers deploy heavy ordnance, the geological depth of these Iranian facilities shields them. Consequently, neutralising these strongholds necessitates either high-risk ground assault operations or highly specialised cyber-physical sabotage. This operational reality forces Washington to choose between accepting a nuclear-armed Tehran or committing to an escalatory land campaign.

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