US Command Believes Strikes in Hormuz Region Have Exhausted Effectiveness — Axios
Citing sources in the White House and military command, Axios reported that the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, recommended to President Donald Trump that airstrikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz be suspended. According to his assessment, the two-week operation had reached the limits of its effectiveness.
Brad Cooper. Photo: AP Photo / Rod Lamkey, Jr.
This decision marked a joint acknowledgment by Trump's military and civilian advisers: there are limits to what can be achieved through military action and airstrikes. As a result, on Friday, Trump ordered a halt to attacks along Iran's southern coast for the first time in two weeks.
Admiral Cooper had already sent his recommendations to the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the White House last week. He noted that the 13-day bombing campaign had significantly weakened Tehran's ability to attack ships, and specific bombing targets were largely exhausted.
The CENTCOM commander emphasized that the next step could only be the deployment of full-scale combat operations to destroy the remaining 20% of targets. However, without a decision for a large-scale war, continuing the bombing campaign in the previous mode made no sense.
Another important factor was the position of General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. According to Axios sources, Kane privately warned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump about a severe shortage of interceptor missiles for air defense systems. The depletion of these resources could seriously limit the US's ability to defend its own contingents and allies in the region in the event of an Iranian strike.
According to Axios, Trump initially considered resuming and intensifying large-scale military actions. However, after meetings, his opinion began to shift on Thursday evening, and by Friday, the decision to suspend attacks was finally approved.
At present, the situation in the region is described as "calm, provided mutual quiet." Iran and Oman are holding consultations on a new agreement for opening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring safe passage for vessels, although Axios notes that it is not yet known whether this agreement will be accepted by Trump.
Mike Waltz confirmed on NBC that Trump keeps all options open, but at the same time gives negotiations some room, and consultations with Iran continue at all levels. In parallel, the US and the UK are discussing convening an international conference to create a coalition for the defense and demining of the strait. The publication emphasizes: if diplomatic efforts and an agreement do not satisfy Washington, military escalation could resume.