The U.S. Central Command chief, who oversees military operations against Iran, has reportedly recommended halting airstrikes concentrated in the Strait of Hormuz, stating their effectiveness has reached a limit.
Axios reported on July 27, citing multiple sources, that General Brad Cooper conveyed this opinion to the Department of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the White House.
Cooper's recommendation is said to have influenced President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily suspend airstrikes against Iran on July 24.
Axios assessed that Cooper's advice reflects an acknowledgment by Trump's military and civilian advisors of the limitations of achieving results solely through military actions, particularly those relying on air power.
Cooper noted that the two weeks of airstrikes in the Strait of Hormuz have significantly weakened Iran's ability to attack shipping, and most of the key targets designated by U.S. forces have been exhausted.
He explained that a large-scale combat operation could be resumed to strike the remaining approximately 20% of targets that were identified during the U.S. operation 'Operation Wrath of the Mighty,' but not attacked.
However, he emphasized that without restarting large-scale military operations, there would be little benefit in continuing limited airstrikes like those conducted over the past two weeks.
According to sources, President Trump directed a temporary halt to airstrikes in the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran's southern coast after receiving a new strike plan from senior advisors and military leaders on July 24.
Trump was reportedly leaning toward resuming large-scale military operations before the meeting but began to change his stance starting the evening of July 23.
General Dan Cain, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also privately warned Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that a shortage of air defense interceptors could hinder the defense of U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East and regional allies, Axios reported.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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