US military commanders to brief Trump on military options against Iran

Top U.S. military leaders are expected to brief President Donald Trump on military options against Iran, according to Reuters and Axios reporting published on April 30.

Reuters said Adm. Brad Cooper, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are expected to brief Trump later in the day on possible action against Iran. The goal of the discussion, according to the report, is to increase pressure on Tehran to negotiate.

Axios reported that U.S. Central Command has prepared options that include a short strike campaign and another scenario tied to the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters noted that such options have long been part of U.S. planning, so the briefing may reflect contingency work rather than a brand-new policy shift.

The White House and U.S. Central Command did not immediately comment to Reuters.

The reports come against the backdrop of earlier White House statements saying the administration's objectives in Iran include denying Tehran a nuclear weapon and degrading missile, naval and proxy capabilities.

The key question now is whether the briefing produces any concrete decision or simply reinforces the administration's pressure campaign. For now, the reporting points to military planning, not a confirmed order to act.