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The United States military is exploring new and unconventional strategies to increase pressure on Iran and push Tehran toward negotiations on Washington’s terms, according to a report by CNN.
In an unusual move, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) recently sent an email to military analysts seeking “creative and non-traditional” ideas to influence Iran’s behavior. A senior intelligence official reportedly wrote that the command is looking for fresh approaches to “impose pressure and cost” on Tehran.
According to sources familiar with the matter, such open “brainstorming” via email is rare within the military, suggesting growing concern that existing strategies may be losing effectiveness. It also indicates that options available to President Donald Trump to sustain pressure on Iran could be narrowing.
CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Timothy Hawkins said the command has long encouraged innovation and new thinking. He added that Commander Admiral Brad Cooper supports gathering ideas from across ranks to ensure maximum effectiveness in operations.
The development comes amid shifting signals from Trump, who recently threatened further military action against Iran before stepping back following calls from regional leaders, including Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, urging de-escalation.
In recent weeks, the United States has carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Iran’s military capabilities, particularly around the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The aim has been to weaken Tehran’s position and bring it back to the negotiating table, though no breakthrough has yet been achieved.
The report also noted that the Trump administration is considering renewed large-scale strikes on Iran’s remaining nuclear facilities, including hardened underground sites such as Pickaxe Mountain. However, military officials believe these deeply buried targets cannot be fully destroyed through airstrikes alone and may require ground operations—an option seen as highly risky and politically sensitive.
Since the escalation began, at least 18 US service members have reportedly been killed.
Sources suggest Trump is also weighing more symbolic military actions—potentially re-striking previously targeted sites—to project strength and claim a political win, even if such actions fall short of dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.
Recent assessments by US intelligence agencies, including the CIA and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), indicate that ongoing airstrikes are unlikely to significantly alter Iran’s negotiating stance. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine has also acknowledged that air power alone may not achieve all strategic objectives.
Washington now faces several options: intensifying airstrikes, deploying ground forces, or maintaining the current cycle of limited attacks and counterattacks. However, sending ground troops could conflict with Trump’s campaign pledge to avoid prolonged foreign wars.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Friday, Trump said, “We want to win. We will hit them hard. At some point, they will say, ‘We can’t take it anymore.’”
With tensions still high and no clear resolution in sight, the situation continues to raise concerns about further escalation in the region.