CENTCOM chief pushes for renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Israeli TV reports

WASHINGTON — The commander of U.S. Central Command, Adm. Brad Cooper, has told Israeli officials that he is pushing for renewed strikes against Iran and a resumption of hostilities, Israel’s Channel 13 reported, potentially highlighting differences between Washington and Jerusalem over how to confront Tehran.

According to the report, Cooper made the remarks during a recent visit to Israel, where he held discussions with senior Israeli officials. The report did not indicate that a decision had been made by the Trump administration to launch new attacks.

The reported position comes as Israel remains focused on Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities and has continued to assess the possibility of renewed military action. Israeli media have reported heightened military preparations, including changes to soldiers’ leave, amid concerns that tensions with Tehran could escalate again.

The development could also expose a potential divide between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Netanyahu has consistently portrayed Iran as a major strategic threat and favored continued military pressure, Trump has recently signaled a preference for diplomacy and economic pressure when possible.

Trump has sought to prevent the expansion of conflicts in the Middle East and has pushed for negotiations in several regional disputes. A renewed U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran could undermine those efforts and risk triggering a wider regional confrontation involving Iran and its allies.

Iran has repeatedly warned that any new attack would draw a response and has maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful, while Israel and the United States have accused Tehran of seeking the capability to develop nuclear weapons.

The reported remarks by Cooper come at a sensitive time for the U.S.-Israel alliance, with the two governments broadly aligned on the threat posed by Iran but potentially differing over whether military action or negotiations offer the best path forward.

GAROWE ONLINE