Trump reviews Iran military options in White House briefing - report

President Donald Trump received a briefing on potential military action against Iran on Thursday, bringing the commander of US forces in the Middle East to the White House as the administration considers whether to resume major combat operations, The Wall Street Journal reported. Adm. Brad Cooper’s attendance was unusual: the Central Command chief seldom briefs the president face to face. The meeting suggests military planning is receiving attention at the highest levels, although the reported discussions do not establish that Trump has approved an operation.

Saudi, Turkish, and Pakistani officials visit Iran Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also participated, according to the Journal, which cited US officials and people directly familiar with the meeting. Other Cabinet members attended, and Iran was among several subjects discussed. The gathering came after military leaders met Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Wednesday, the newspaper reported, citing a person familiar with that session.

Cooper’s previous in-person discussions with Trump included a July meeting aboard Air Force One in Delaware, where Hegseth and Caine were also present.