US President Donald Trump is reviewing a military proposal for 10 to 14 days of intensive airstrikes against Iran after four US troops were killed, according to a Wall Street Journal report published July 31. The plan was presented by Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, and calls for the use of overwhelming force to disable Tehran’s missile and drone capabilities.

A senior US official said Trump is inclined to escalate the conflict but is still considering the scope of the response. Cooper argues that Washington must increase the intensity of airstrikes to significantly neutralize Iran’s threat and break the current deadlock. He said destroying Tehran’s offensive military infrastructure could reduce the need for US forces to rely only on defensive weapons.

Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine has taken a cautious position, warning the White House that stocks of air-defense interceptors and defensive missiles are declining. He said a major operation is possible, but ammunition shortages could expose US forces and regional allies to substantial risk. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell denied reports of internal discord, saying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Cooper and Caine are united on carrying out the mission.