While negotiations with Iran are ongoing, it has been reported that CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper briefed U.S. President Donald Trump on possible attack options against Tehran. According to U.S. media, three attack options were presented to Trump.
The U.S. media claimed that while negotiations with Iran continue, Washington is considering possible attack options against Tehran.
TRUMP BRIEFED ON ATTACK OPTIONS
In a report by ABC News citing unnamed U.S. officials, Admiral Brad Cooper, the Commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), who was also involved in the indirect talks with Iran held in Oman on February 6, informed U.S. President Donald Trump about possible attack options against Iran. General Dan Caine, the Chief of Staff, also participated in the meeting.
FIRST OPTION: ISRAEL ATTACK
It was stated that many Republican party members and some officials from the administration argued in recent private meetings that in a possible attack against Iran, Israel should initiate the conflicts instead of the U.S.
SECOND OPTION: U.S.-ISRAEL PARTNERSHIP
It was suggested that a military operation within the U.S.-Israel partnership is still a possibility, as all ships and fighter jets deployed by the U.S. in the region are within range to strike Iran.
THIRD OPTION: LIMITED ATTACK
The report claimed that the possibility of a limited attack targeting ballistic missile launch systems and nuclear facilities to force Tehran to accept demands is among Trump’s options, noting that if a longer-term operation aimed at “overthrowing the regime” is initiated, possible attacks could further weaken Iran’s air defense capabilities.
NEGOTIATION PROCESS BETWEEN IRAN AND THE U.S.
The nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., which were interrupted by attacks from Israel and the U.S. in June 2025, were revitalized with the initiatives of regional countries, especially Turkey, and the mediation of Oman.
While the U.S. continues its threats of attack and massive military buildup, the parties came together for indirect negotiations in Oman on February 6 and agreed to continue the contacts. Subsequently, the second round of talks continued in Geneva on February 17. The parties reported progress in the discussions and later agreed to meet again in Geneva on February 26.
Iran demands the lifting of sanctions in exchange for continuing its nuclear program within the framework of limitations that would prevent the production of atomic bombs. The U.S., on the other hand, wants Tehran to completely halt its uranium enrichment activities and to export its stock of highly enriched uranium outside the country.
The negotiations address the level to which the enrichment rate will be limited, the status of approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, and the timeline and verification mechanisms for lifting sanctions.
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