US-Iran Conflict – CENTCOM Chief Advised Ending Strait of Hormuz Air Campaign
US-Iran Conflict – The United States has paused its recent air campaign targeting Iran near the Strait of Hormuz after senior military and civilian advisers concluded that the operation had reached the limits of what air power alone could achieve. The recommendation, attributed to US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper, played a key role in President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend military strikes, according to an Axios report citing officials familiar with internal discussions. The move reflects a broader assessment that further bombing would deliver limited additional military gains under the current strategy.
Military Leaders Backed Pause in Air Operations
According to the report, Adm. Cooper informed senior officials that most of the planned bombing targets had already been struck during Operation Epic Fury. While he reportedly acknowledged that roughly 20 percent of identified targets remained untouched, he suggested that continuing the same air campaign would not significantly improve the overall military situation. Instead, he indicated that any future action would likely require a different operational approach rather than an extension of the existing bombing campaign.
Officials cited by Axios said Cooper’s assessment was shared by several military and civilian advisers, reinforcing the conclusion that air operations had achieved much of their intended objective.
Concerns Raised Over Regional Defence Resources
Another important factor influencing the decision was concern about regional defence readiness. Sources said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine privately warned both Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and President Trump that the supply of air defence interceptors was becoming increasingly limited.
The warning reportedly highlighted the potential challenge of protecting US personnel and allied forces across the region if military operations continued at the same pace. The New York Times first reported Caine’s concerns, while a spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs declined to comment on confidential military advice provided to the President.
White House Discussions Shaped Final Decision
Axios reported that President Trump reviewed a fresh military strike proposal during a meeting with senior advisers and defence officials before deciding to halt the operation. Although the President had reportedly been considering a return to broader combat operations earlier in the week, officials said his position shifted after receiving updated military assessments on Thursday evening.
The advisers concluded that additional strikes under the existing campaign would likely produce diminishing operational returns, prompting the administration to temporarily suspend offensive actions.
Diplomatic Talks Continue Around Strait of Hormuz
The military pause comes as diplomatic discussions involving Iran and Oman continue over arrangements linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. According to CBS, citing regional sources, negotiations have entered a second day with signs of constructive progress.
The report also said the Iranian military has suspended retaliatory attacks targeting American allies in West Asia after the United States paused its strikes over the past two nights. While the situation remains fluid, both sides appear to be exploring opportunities to reduce tensions.
Coalition Planning and Updated Casualty Figures
At the same time, the United States and the United Kingdom continue discussions on organizing an international conference focused on protecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials are considering the formation of a multinational coalition to secure maritime routes and coordinate mine-clearing operations, although no official date for the meeting has been announced.
Separately, CNN reported that the Pentagon updated its casualty records on Saturday, adding more than 140 previously unreported wounded personnel and restoring records of four soldiers killed during Iranian attacks last week. The revised figures have renewed attention on transparency surrounding the conflict.
According to the updated Pentagon data cited by CNN, combined casualty totals for Operation Epic Fury indicate that 18 US service members have been killed and 624 wounded since the conflict with Iran began on February 28. The revised injury count represents a notable increase from the 482 wounded previously reported, underscoring the continuing human cost of the ongoing military confrontation