We need ideas: US military asks analysts for unconventional ideas to pressure Iran

A senior US military officer at US Central Command (CENTCOM) sent an email to a broad group of intelligence analysts seeking "new creative and unconventional ways" to pressure Iran, according to CNN, highlighting growing concerns within the military that existing strategies may not achieve President Donald Trump's objectives.

The email, sent last week, asked analysts to suggest fresh approaches to "pressure and punish Iran", an unusual crowdsourcing effort that reflected the limited military and diplomatic options available to the Trump administration, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Timothy Hawkins defended the outreach, saying the command has a long history of encouraging innovative thinking. He said Admiral Brad Cooper regularly seeks ideas from personnel across ranks to improve operational performance.

The email came before Trump threatened fresh military action against Iran, only to pull back after regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, urged de-escalation, according to the report.

The US has carried out weeks of air strikes aimed at weakening Iran's military capabilities and pushing Tehran back to negotiations. However, US intelligence agencies reportedly believe the bombing campaign is unlikely to force Iran into a deal or significantly alter its negotiating position.

According to CNN, Trump has considered expanding strikes, including attacks on deeply buried nuclear-related facilities such as Pickaxe Mountain. Military planners, however, have concluded that air strikes alone are unlikely to destroy such sites because of their underground fortifications. Ground operations would likely be required, an option Trump has so far been unwilling to authorise due to the significant risks involved.

Officials have also discussed a limited campaign of symbolic strikes that could allow Trump to claim success without fully eliminating Iran's nuclear programme, the report said.

The US military has also prepared plans for a broader one- to two-week bombardment targeting Iran's missile capabilities. Trump has reportedly delayed approving such operations amid concerns over dwindling air defence interceptor supplies and the risk of high civilian casualties if critical infrastructure were targeted.

The conflict has also raised concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, with officials warning that prolonged exchanges between the US and Iran could evolve into another long-term military confrontation.

Speaking last month, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine acknowledged the limits of military action, saying, "Air power has its limits."

Despite weighing multiple options, Trump has continued to emphasise that he ultimately wants Iran to agree to a deal while maintaining military pressure on Tehran.

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