CENTCOM seeks unconventional ways to pressure Iran

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has asked its intelligence analysts to propose 'creative and unconventional' ways to pressure and punish Iran, according to CNN. The request, sent via email by a senior intelligence officer, reflects the limited options available to President Donald Trump as airstrikes have failed to force a deal. The U.S. has conducted weeks of strikes to degrade Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, but intelligence agencies assess the bombing is unlikely to shift Iran's negotiating position. Trump has considered escalating with strikes on deeply buried nuclear sites like Pickaxe Mountain, which may require ground troops, a step he has been reluctant to take. He also weighed a symbolic 'fireworks' strike to claim victory while exiting the war. Eighteen U.S. service members have reportedly been killed. Regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, urged de-escalation, leading Trump to cancel planned strikes over the weekend. Talks were expected to resume on Monday.