US military leaders divided over strategy for potential conflict with Iran

WASHINGTON: Senior US military leaders are reportedly divided over the strategy the United States should adopt in a potential military conflict with Iran, according to a US media report.

The report said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, supports launching a large-scale air campaign against Iran that could last for up to two weeks.

However, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are reportedly urging a more restrained approach, arguing that U.S. air defense stockpiles should be preserved rather than committed to an expanded military campaign.

The differing views leave President Donald Trump facing a key decision over whether to escalate military action against Iran or adopt a more limited response.

The reported debate follows Trump’s warning that the United States would respond forcefully to what he described as an Iranian missile attack on a US military base in Jordan.

In media interviews, Trump said U.S. forces intercepted the incoming missiles within minutes and vowed that Iran would face a “very strong” response.