The US military has sent an email to high-ranking analysts requesting 'new, creative, and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran', as the conflict continues. The email, seen by CNN, was sent last week by a senior US military command.
Email Seeks Innovative Ideas
Captain Timothy Hawkins, a spokesperson for CENTCOM, told CNN: 'U.S. Central Command has a long history of thinking and working in innovative ways. Admiral Cooper, in particular, reaches out to members of our great team, regardless of rank, to achieve the highest levels of operational performance possible.'
The request came shortly before President Donald Trump threatened new strikes against Iran, which he called off at the last minute. Trump said on Truth Social that the cancellation was 'subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL'.
Security Concerns Over Troop Videos
Days earlier, US troops in the Middle East were warned that videos filmed on their phones could help Iran assess attacks on them. Personnel at some bases may be ordered to hand over their devices while deployed.
Admiral Bradford 'Brad' Cooper, the senior commander overseeing the Iran war, said video footage posted online allowed Tehran to evaluate its strikes in near real time. This follows the deaths of four US troops in recent weeks.
War Continues With No End in Sight
Fighting resumed after Trump's ceasefire with Iran collapsed. The US military carried out a 'heavy wave' of strikes on Thursday in retaliation for attempted Iranian strikes on Tuesday.
The war has now lasted over five months, starting with US and Israeli attacks on March 1. Trump has faced falling approval ratings, near historic lows, and pressure from world leaders over the war's impact on global oil supplies.
