US Military Solicits Troops by Email for Ideas to ‘Pressure and Punish’ Iran: Report
Senior officers at the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) are asking personnel to submit “creative and unconventional” ideas to increase pressure on Iran, according to an internal email obtained by CNN.
The message, sent to a broad group of military intelligence analysts, called for new approaches to “pressure and punish Iran” as the command reviews its current strategy.
CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Timothy Hawkins did not comment on the email itself but told CNN that the command has a long-standing practice of encouraging ideas from personnel at all levels to improve operational effectiveness.
Air Campaign Faces Limits
According to the broadcaster, the email could suggest that military officials are reassessing available options after weeks of US airstrikes have failed to produce a diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran.
Washington continues to refine strike options against Iranian sites believed to contain nuclear-related equipment or materials, including Kuh-e Kolang, also known as Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified site near the Natanz uranium enrichment complex.
The BBC reported there are unverified claims that the site could house part of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Unlike Natanz, the mountain has not been directly targeted in previous US or Israeli strikes.
CNN also reported that the Central Intelligence Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency have assessed that the current air campaign is unlikely to significantly alter Tehran’s negotiating position.
Military planners have presented options for a broader campaign targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure, but officials cited by CNN said concerns over dwindling interceptor stockpiles, potential civilian casualties, and the risk of a wider regional conflict have so far weighed against further escalation.
According to the United Nations, more than 1,300 civilians have been killed in Iran since late February, while local authorities reported at least 60 people killed and around 670 injured during the latest escalation.
