US Air Operation Against Iran Could Last Two Weeks
US President Donald Trump is considering an intensive air operation lasting up to 14 days to significantly damage Iran's missile arsenal. Disagreements persist within the US defense leadership regarding the scope of the response, amid concerns over escalation and a shortage of interceptors.
US President Donald Trump is considering whether to renew a large-scale military operation against Iran following the missile attack carried out by Tehran this week against American forces in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal reported tonight (Thursday). One of the options being examined is an intensive air strike that would last between 10 and 14 days, with the goal of significantly damaging Iran's missile capabilities.
According to the report, the plan was formulated by the commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, who believes that the limited strikes carried out so far are not enough to deter Iran, and that the intensity of the strikes must be significantly increased to break the stalemate that has been created in the fighting.
The decision is expected to be made after a series of consultations that Trump held with senior defense officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Kane. According to the report, the president is examining whether to approve the broad attack plan or settle for a more limited military response, which would allow for keeping a window open for continued diplomatic efforts.
Disagreement in the defense leadership
Cooper supports broad military action based on the assessment that significant damage to Iran's missile array will also reduce the need for the United States to use defensive interceptors against future attacks.
On the other hand, Kane warns against the broader consequences of further escalation. According to the report, he warned that the United States' stock of air defense interceptors is dwindling, while the United States is required to defend its bases and allies in other arenas around the world. However, he does not rule out a return to broad fighting, but believes that it involves a higher risk.
Criticism is also being heard in the US Congress, and some lawmakers warn that expanding the operation could drag the United States deeper into the war.
Trump signals escalation
A senior administration official said that Trump is currently in an "escalatory mood," but is still weighing the scope of the response. The president himself also signaled that he is inclined to renew the attacks. In an interview with Fox News, he said that the United States "will hit them very hard," but clarified that at the same time he will allow Iran to continue contacts.
According to the report, Israel may also be integrated into a broad military operation if Trump approves the renewal of fighting.
During the previous round of fighting, Cooper requested at least six weeks to complete the military mission, but the fighting was stopped earlier than planned after Trump decided to promote a ceasefire. Afterwards, the Pentagon declared that Iran's missile program had been significantly damaged, however, US intelligence assessments determined that Iran had maintained some of its capabilities and even managed to renew missile attacks.
According to the report, officials opposing the expansion of the operation believe that even after extensive strikes, Iran managed to rehabilitate some of the missile launchers, change launch patterns, and continue to attack using missiles and UAVs. On the other hand, supporters of the plan estimate that a longer and more powerful attack could significantly reduce Iran's response capability and tip the balance of the fighting.
