Even the military was surprised: the unusual email sent to soldiers regarding Iran

Senior US military officials asked intelligence personnel to propose "creative and unconventional" ideas to increase pressure on Iran, as reported by CNN. The unusual request was sent after weeks of strikes that did not lead to a breakthrough, amid assessments that destroying nuclear facilities may require the introduction of ground forces.

Senior US military officials asked intelligence personnel to propose "creative and unconventional" ideas to increase pressure on Iran, as reported on Monday by CNN. According to the report, a senior officer in the intelligence division of US Central Command sent an email last Wednesday to a broad group of military analysts, describing: "We are looking for new, creative, and unconventional ways to exert pressure and punish Iran." Another source confirmed that a similar request was sent last week. Officials who spoke with the network noted that the very act of reaching out to a broad group of intelligence personnel via email is considered unusual, and that Central Command is re-examining its strategy. This comes against the backdrop of weeks of US strikes on targets in Iran aimed at undermining its ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and bringing it back to the negotiating table, but so far no breakthrough has been achieved. Sources assessed that even the most powerful weapons may not necessarily suffice to destroy facilities buried deep underground, and that this may require the introduction of ground forces, a move Trump has so far avoided approving due to the high risk.