As the conflict between the United States and Iran continues into its sixth month, U.S. military leaders are preparing for a possible escalation in air operations aimed at degrading Iran’s missile capabilities. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, has developed plans for an intensive air campaign targeting Iranian missile infrastructure that could last up to two weeks, according to officials familiar with the deliberations. The decision on the scope and scale of the response now rests with President Donald Trump, who has been weighing options amid ongoing tensions.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in late February, the U.S. and its partners have engaged in a series of exchanges with Iran and its allied groups across the Middle East. The most recent phase saw Iranian missile strikes against U.S. personnel stationed in Jordan, prompting U.S. and Saudi forces to conduct retaliatory airstrikes on Iran-backed militias in eastern Iraq. On July 29, a drone attack struck the floating storage tanker Energos Winter off the Egyptian coast near the Damietta LNG import terminal, setting off a fire that spread to a nearby liquefied natural gas tanker, Gaslog Salem. Egyptian officials attributed the incident to Iran, a claim President Trump referenced in public statements, though no direct proof has been publicly disclosed.
The attack on the Damietta facility highlights the expanding vulnerability of regional energy infrastructure beyond traditional chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz. Since the conflict began, Saudi Arabia has rerouted a significant portion of its oil exports through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, while the United Arab Emirates and Iraq have increased the use of pipelines circumventing the Strait. Analysts warn that as these alternative routes gain prominence, they may become new targets in the ongoing conflict, underscoring a growing complexity in safeguarding energy flows throughout the Middle East.
Admiral Cooper’s role in the war has been somewhat overshadowed by General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who maintain closer ties to President Trump and regularly deliver updates on the conflict. Although Cooper commands U.S. forces in the region from his headquarters in Tampa, Florida, and has briefed the president only a few times since hostilities began, his proposed air campaign plan enjoys alignment with senior defense officials. Pentagon representatives emphasize that Cooper, Caine, and Hegseth remain united in their approach, even as experts debate the effectiveness of air power alone in achieving decisive results against Iran’s dispersed missile capabilities.
The U.S. military’s efforts to neutralize Iran’s missile and drone arsenal have faced challenges, as Tehran continues to deploy weapons from concealed or underground sites, effectively sustaining its offensive capabilities. Some defense analysts caution that despite increased bombing raids on Iranian missile sites, Tehran’s ability to recover and retaliate persists. Meanwhile, President Trump’s strategic posture has fluctuated between attempts at diplomacy and warnings of intensified military operations, reflecting a complex calculus in managing the broader regional and global dynamics involving China, North Korea, and Russia.
Last week, a somber scene unfolded on the tarmac in Delaware as the caskets of four American soldiers killed in the conflict arrived from overseas. Onboard Air Force One, President Trump met with top military advisors including General Caine, Secretary Hegseth, and Admiral Cooper, further underscoring the weight of leadership decisions facing the administration.
As the White House evaluates the proposed air campaign, concerns over the depletion of air-defense munitions and the potential for wider escalation remain pivotal factors. Senior officials describe President Trump’s outlook as “escalatory” but note that discussions continue regarding the scale and timing of additional military responses to Iran’s persistent attacks. The evolving situation underscores the delicate balance between military action and diplomatic efforts in a conflict with far-reaching implications for regional security and global energy markets.