WSJ: CENTCOM lays out sweeping airstrike plan against Iran for Trump’s review

US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper has presented US President Donald Trump with a plan for a large-scale air campaign against Iran lasting between 10 and 14 days, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports, citing sources.

According to the newspaper, the plan calls for intensive airstrikes aimed at destroying Iran’s missile capabilities. Cooper believes the operation would significantly reduce the threat of Iranian missile attacks and decrease the need for the United States to use air defence systems.

CENTCOM commander’s proposal is based on abandoning limited retaliatory strikes, which have failed to deter attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and strikes against US forces in the region, in favour of a broader military campaign.

However, the newspaper noted that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine has taken a more cautious position. According to sources, he is concerned about dwindling stocks of US interceptor missiles needed to protect American military bases and allied forces from potential Iranian retaliatory strikes.

The newspaper reported that Trump has not yet made a final decision. The president may either approve Cooper’s proposed plan or opt for more limited strikes while seeking a possible diplomatic resolution, the sources added.

By Jeyhun Aghazada