'Be creative and unconventional': US military crowdsources fresh ideas to 'pressure Iran'

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reportedly asked military analysts to come up with fresh ideas on how to increase pressure on Iran, signalling that Washington is reassessing its approach as the conflict enters a difficult phase.

According to a CNN report, an officer from CENTCOM's intelligence branch sent an email last week inviting personnel to suggest "new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran". The unusual request, circulated to a broad group of military analysts, marked a crowdsourcing-style effort rarely seen within the US military.

CENTCOM explores new options

Officials familiar with the matter told CNN that the move reflects growing recognition that existing strategies have not produced the desired outcome. One source said CENTCOM is reviewing every possible option and believes it is time to rethink its approach.

Defending the initiative, Captain Timothy Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, said, "US Central Command has a long history of thinking and working in innovative ways."

He added, "Admiral Cooper, in particular, reaches out to members of our great team, regardless of rank, to achieve the highest levels of operational performance possible."

Fresh planning amid stalled campaign

The email was sent before President Donald Trump reportedly considered launching another round of strikes on Iran. Those plans were later shelved after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud urged Trump to de-escalate during a phone call, according to the report.

The US has continued air strikes aimed at reducing Iran's ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pressuring Tehran back to negotiations. However, no agreement has been reached so far.

Sources familiar with military planning told CNN that the US has also examined possible strikes on Pickaxe Mountain and other sites believed to contain nuclear-related material or equipment. At the same time, officials acknowledged that underground facilities remain difficult to destroy using conventional weapons alone.

Air strikes may not deliver desired outcome

According to the report, the US military believes a ground operation would carry major risks, making it an option the Trump administration has been unwilling to pursue. At least 18 US service members have reportedly been killed in the Middle East conflict so far.

One source said Trump is now considering a limited military action that could deliver a symbolic victory rather than fully eliminate Iran's nuclear programme.

"At the end of the day, POTUS will want a deal, so he'll continually look for ways to get tough and get out of this," one source familiar with recent planning discussions said.

The source added, "You need creative minds at times, especially if you're running out of conventional options."

CNN also reported that assessments by the Central Intelligence Agency and the Defence Intelligence Agency suggest the current bombing campaign is unlikely to change Iran's negotiating position. Even Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine has acknowledged the limits of military action, saying, "Air power has its limits."