US weighs wider strikes as Iran conflict intensifies

The United States is considering a broader military campaign against Iran as fighting in the Middle East continues to escalate, according to media reports.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), has prepared a proposal for a 10- to 14-day air campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s missile capabilities. The reported plan, dubbed “Go Big,” is one of several military options under consideration by the White House, reports The Telegraph. 

US forces carried out fresh strikes on Iran following Tehran’s reported attack on a US base in Jordan earlier this week. CENTCOM said it targeted dozens of sites, including a command facility linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that the strikes hit several locations in Khuzestan Province and Qeshm Island, killing at least three people on Qeshm. Following the attacks, the IRGC vowed retaliation, while Jordan said it intercepted five Iranian missiles on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump has warned of a stronger response against Iran, while the Wall Street Journal reported that the administration is weighing options for a significant expansion of military operations.

However, concerns remain over the US military’s declining stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the US inventory has dropped sharply since the conflict began, raising questions about its ability to sustain a prolonged campaign while maintaining readiness in other regions.

US media also reported disagreements within the Trump administration over the next course of action. While some officials favour a more aggressive response, others have expressed concerns about the duration and broader consequences of the conflict.

The conflict has also widened beyond Iran. Saudi Arabia has reportedly joined operations against Iran-backed militias following attacks on its oil facilities, while recent drone strikes on vessels near Egypt’s Damietta port have further heightened regional tensions.

The developments underscore growing concerns that the conflict could expand into a wider regional war.