Pentagon says presenting military options is 'our job'

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington before boarding Marine One on Thursday (local time). [AP]
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington before boarding Marine One on Thursday (local time). [AP]

The US military's Central Command has briefed the Trump administration on scenarios for striking Iran after the midterm elections, amid signals from President Donald Trump that he may order another attack on the country.

The Hill reported Saturday that CENTCOM had presented Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with strike scenarios targeting Iran following the midterm elections.

According to the report, CENTCOM has prepared plans for airstrikes on Iran pending White House authorization. A Pentagon spokesperson, responding to The Hill's inquiry, said presenting military options is "our job" and that the department does not speculate on hypothetical situations or future operations.

Trump hinted at the possibility of renewed strikes on Iran during a midterm campaign rally in Florida on Thursday, saying, "We could do another little 'Operation Mighty Endeavor.'" Analysts say the remarks appear intended to use military pressure to break a diplomatic deadlock.

However, analysts are skeptical that resuming strikes would be enough to change Iran's position.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told diplomats in Tehran on Sunday that talk of a new war was circulating, but said he was already thinking beyond it. "Whether war happens or not, our policy will not change," he said, according to AP and AFP.


hyuk@heraldcorp.com