Axios: U.S. Plans for Potential Military Action Against Iran Amid Diplomatic Deadlock

Welat TV – Erbil

The U.S. news outlet Axios, citing informed sources, reported that Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Central Command, is preparing to brief Donald Trump on new plans for potential military action against Iran, as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.

According to the report published on Thursday, April 30, 2026, the briefing comes amid growing concerns in Washington about slipping into what has been described as a prolonged “frozen conflict" without reaching an agreement or escalating into a full-scale war.

Military Options on the Table

The outlet said that U.S. Central Command has prepared a plan involving a wave of “short and sharp” strikes targeting infrastructure inside Iran, aimed at breaking the current negotiating deadlock. The briefing is also expected to include scenarios for seizing parts of the Strait of Hormuz through a ground operation intended to reopen it to commercial shipping.

Sources added that other options include special operations by U.S. forces to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Cooper had previously delivered a similar briefing to Trump on February 26, just days before the outbreak of the 2026 U.S.-Iran escalation involving Israel, which the report says may have contributed to the decision to launch military operations.

Blockade as Pressure Tool

In a related context, Trump stated on Wednesday that the naval blockade imposed on Iran is “somewhat more effective than bombing,” considering it the primary tool of pressure at present, while not ruling out a return to military options if Tehran fails to respond.

Concerns Over Diplomatic Failure

Washington and Tehran have so far failed to reach an agreement to end the escalation that began in late February, which has disrupted navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and exacerbated the economic and political crisis. This comes amid increasing concerns over the potential failure of diplomatic efforts, despite temporary ceasefires reached in recent weeks.