Pentagon seeks new ways to increase pressure on Iran

The Pentagon is reportedly seeking new ways to increase pressure on Iran as Washington pushes to reach a deal with Tehran. A CNN report, citing a source within US Central Command, said the military is considering various approaches. “We are looking for new, creative, and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran,” the message from a CENTCOM intelligence official stated. Another source said CENTCOM is reviewing all available options while reassessing its current strategy. “At the end of the day, POTUS wants a deal, so he will continue to look for ways to be tough while also getting out of this situation,” the source added. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine previously stated that airstrikes alone have a limited impact. He also warned President Donald Trump about the dwindling supply of air defence interceptor missiles, which he assessed could pose a serious risk to national security. According to the CNN report, the CIA and US military intelligence have concluded that a strike on Iran would not change Tehran’s negotiating position. On Sunday, Trump said Washington had called off a planned strike on Iran the previous weekend but remained ready to launch military operations at any time. Trump also mentioned that bilateral talks are scheduled for 3 August, though he provided no further details on the agenda.