WASHINGTON (The Thursday Times) — The head of US Central Command briefed President Donald Trump on military options against Iran at the White House on Thursday, according to a Wall Street Journal report, as more than 10 US military transport planes landed at air bases in southern Israel over the past week.
Admiral Brad Cooper presented the options with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine present, the newspaper reported. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Washington and Israel have reportedly been weighing a “short but intensive operation” of renewed strikes on Iran after the November 3 US midterm elections, targeting energy sites, nuclear facilities and missile and drone arsenals, though Trump could still decide against military action.
Cargo flights to Nevatim and Ovda
Analysts tracking open-source flight data said most of the transport flights left Biggs Army Airfield in El Paso, Texas, for the Israeli Air Force’s Nevatim and Ovda bases, the Times of Israel reported. Their cargo was unknown but was thought to be linked to strengthening US air defences in the region. Flights were also reported to US bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, and the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that a Patriot missile battery was being sent from Texas.
‘Never going to let this be a forever war’
“If you’re worried about another forever war, Donald Trump is never going to let this be a forever war,” Vice President JD Vance told Fox News. “He’s going to accomplish America’s objectives, and then we’re going to focus on the other things that we’re doing.”
Iran has confirmed receiving a letter from Vance but has not replied. Trump said the outreach was about medical supplies and denied directing Vance to restart peace talks. Pakistan and Qatar have been leading mediation between Washington and Tehran.
