Report: CENTCOM Commander Favored Up to Two Weeks of Sustained Airstrikes to Cripple Iran's Military

A Wall Street Journal report says U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Brad Cooper has argued that a prolonged 10- to 14-day air campaign would be needed to significantly weaken Iran's missile capabilities and deter future attacks. The reported strategy differs from the more cautious approach favored by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, who has warned about the risks of a broader regional conflict.

Gen. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), has reportedly argued that Iran's military capabilities can only be significantly weakened through a large-scale air campaign lasting between 10 and 14 days, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

Citing people familiar with the discussions, the report says Cooper has consistently maintained that a prolonged wave of heavy airstrikes would be necessary to break the current military stalemate and substantially reduce Iran's missile arsenal. The reported objective extends beyond immediate retaliation and focuses on degrading Tehran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and launch attacks against U.S. forces across the Middle East.

Different Views Within U.S. Military Leadership

The reported strategy contrasts with the more cautious position attributed to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine. According to the report, Caine has expressed concern that an extended military campaign could deplete U.S. air defense missile inventories and increase the risk of broader regional escalation.

Cooper is said to believe that a decisive offensive operation would ultimately reduce the need for prolonged defensive operations by significantly limiting Iran's ability to launch future attacks.

Trump Administration Still Weighing Options

Following Iran's recent attacks, U.S. forces responded with retaliatory strikes. However, it remains unclear whether those operations will expand into the 10- to 14-day campaign reportedly advocated by Cooper.

A senior U.S. official said President Donald Trump is considering options that could intensify the military response while continuing to carefully evaluate the potential consequences before making a final decision.