Axios reports, citing knowledgeable sources, that CENTCOM commander Admiral Cooper recommended to the Trump administration to halt the Strait of Hormuz bombing campaign, arguing it has reached its effectiveness ceiling. Cooper assessed the strikes significantly reduced Iran's ability to target ships, and most designated targets have been destroyed. If a decision is made to resume large-scale operations, Cooper noted that the US could strike the remaining 20% of targets not hit during Operation Mighty Wrath.
The Axios report, cited by security analyst Yair Goldblatt, provides a rare glimpse into internal Trump administration deliberations over the military campaign in the Strait of Hormuz. Admiral Cooper, the top US commander for the Middle East, is said to have assessed that the intensive bombing campaign over the past two weeks has achieved its primary objectives: significantly degrading Iran's ability to strike commercial shipping. He reportedly warned that continuing the campaign without a decision to resume large-scale operations would not be militarily justified. The report names the campaign as Operation Mighty Wrath and notes that if large-scale operations are resumed, the US could strike the remaining 20% of targets. The Zioneer has previously reported on the US campaign, including multiple rounds of air strikes against Iranian air defense and missile sites, as well as CENTCOM's assessment that the campaign has enabled safe passage of hundreds of merchant ships through the strategic waterway.
2 developments
- ConfirmedCENTCOM intercepts Iranian suicide drones targeting commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz
- StrongCENTCOM released footage of engagement with Iranian forces in Strait of Hormuz
- StrongUS Central Command states Strait of Hormuz open for lawful passage, Iran has no control
- DevelopingCENTCOM working to increase Strait of Hormuz traffic volume in coming days
Source and signal
- Open-source intake