Washington, D.C.: Senior U.S. military leaders are reportedly divided over the strategy the United States should adopt in response to escalating tensions with Iran, according to a U.S. newspaper.
The report states that Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), favors conducting large-scale air strikes against Iran that could continue for up to two weeks.
However, General Dan Caine and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly support a more cautious approach, arguing that the United States should conserve its air defense missile stockpiles rather than expand military operations.
According to the report, the differing views have left President Donald Trump facing a difficult decision over whether to intensify military action or limit the scope of any response.
The reported debate follows heightened tensions after what the United States says was an Iranian missile attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan.
Speaking to U.S. media on the previous day, President Trump claimed that Iran launched a surprise missile attack on the American base in Jordan but said U.S. air defense systems intercepted the incoming missiles within minutes.
Trump warned that Iran would face a very strong response, although he did not provide details about the nature or timing of any potential military action.
The reports reflect ongoing discussions within the U.S. national security leadership over how to balance military objectives, regional stability, and the preservation of critical defense resources amid rising tensions with Tehran.
At the time of reporting, U.S. officials had not publicly confirmed the details of the reported internal differences over military strategy. Likewise, no official statement from Iran regarding the claims cited in the report was included in the available information.
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