Trump to Receive Briefing on Iran Strike Options Including Infrastructure Attacks

Axios says plan under review includes a "short and powerful wave of strikes" targeting infrastructure

Proposal also raises concerns over war crimes and potential losses

President Donald Trump is set to receive a briefing on April 30 from US Central Command on new military options against Iran, Reuters reported, citing Axios.

Axios, citing unnamed sources, reported that Gen. Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command, has drawn up a plan for a "short and powerful wave of strikes" against Iran. The plan includes attacks on major infrastructure facilities.

The war in the Middle East began after US and Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. Iran retaliated, and Israel later attacked Lebanon, fueling casualties and displacement.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to destroy Iran's civilian infrastructure. International law experts have warned that attacks on essential civilian facilities could constitute war crimes under the Geneva Conventions.

The briefing is also set to include an option to seize part of the Strait of Hormuz and reopen commercial shipping traffic. About 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the waterway.

The strait has been effectively paralyzed by the war's fallout, and any operation there could require ground forces.

A special forces mission to secure Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium is also under discussion.

Trump has described Iran's nuclear program as an imminent threat. Iran says its technology development is for peaceful purposes.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is also set to attend the briefing, Axios added.

Axios said the US review of these military options is intended to make Iran more flexible in nuclear negotiations.

Still, options such as attacking essential civilian infrastructure, deploying ground troops and sending special forces are measures Trump has previously threatened or that experts have warned could impose heavy costs on the US if carried out.

If Washington is again signaling that these options remain on the table, the move would be aimed at breaking the current stalemate and gaining leverage in negotiations.

Park Sang-kyung, Hankyung.com reporter, highseoul@hankyung.com