As the confrontation between the United States and Iran reaches its peak ahead of the weekend, timed with the expected arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump now finds himself at a pivotal moment, one that may prove decisive in a conflict that has been unfolding for decades.
The president’s directive has been clear: keep all options on the table. And that is precisely the process now underway. In recent days, a wave of fighter jets, refueling aircraft, destroyers, and other naval assets has been deployed to the Middle East, specifically to the area of responsibility of US Central Command. Currently leading CENTCOM is Admiral Brad Cooper. “It is critical today that we provide the maximum maneuver space and maximum decision-making space to the Secretary of Defense and to the President, so they can determine key plans and directions,” Cooper said during a recent hearing.
Cooper is no stranger to Iran. In testimony before the Senate ahead of his appointment, he noted that he had lived for several years just 100 miles from Iran, referring to his tenure as commander of the Fifth Fleet and the naval forces of US Central Command, a role he assumed in 2021. (Read More)
