US President Donald Trump was slated to receive a briefing on new plans for potential military action in Iran on Thursday from the leader of the US Central Command, Adm. Bradley Cooper, Axios reported, also on Thursday.

Three unidentified sources with knowledge of the matter told the outlet that CENTCOM has drawn up plans for a “short and powerful” series of strikes on Iranian targets, with the aim of pressuring Iran to give ground in negotiations.

One of the sources said other options being readied included a takeover of parts of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen it to commercial shipping, in an operation possibly involving ground forces.

The White House and the US Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Israel and the US launched their campaign against Iran on February 28 in a bid to destabilize the regime and destroy its nuclear and ballistic missile capacities. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes on Israel and on Gulf states hosting US bases.

A fragile ceasefire was reached three weeks ago, but the sides have remained far apart in their positions, and talks to resolve the conflict have stalled.

Trump has previously threatened to destroy Iran’s civilian infrastructure. International law experts say such strikes may amount to war crimes. The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites ​considered essential for civilians.

The Iran war, which remains unpopular in the US, has shaken markets and raised oil prices. Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for about 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, bringing traffic to a trickle. The US, in response, is trying to squeeze Iran’s oil exports with a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Washington hopes to make Iran more flexible at the negotiating table on nuclear issues, Axios reported.

Another option........

© The Times of Israel