US Army turns to its soldiers for help: 'Looking for creative ways to punish Iran'

Amid peak tensions with Iran, a senior officer at US Central Command (CENTCOM) sent a mass email to intelligence personnel requesting 'new, creative, and unconventional' ideas for pressuring Tehran, after the air campaign failed to force an agreement. Meanwhile, Trump announced a deal with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of negotiations.

Amid peak tensions with Iran, a senior officer at US Central Command (CENTCOM) sent a mass email to intelligence personnel under his command, asking them to propose 'new, creative, and unconventional' ideas for pressuring Tehran. This was reported this morning (Monday) by CNN. According to the report, CENTCOM is seeking creative military solutions for the confrontation with Iran, as the air campaign conducted in recent weeks on President Donald Trump's orders failed to force Iran into an agreement. The email was sent by a senior intelligence officer last Wednesday, during a period of heightened readiness following Trump's statements. The 'crowdsourcing' style appeal is seen as a sign of the limited options facing Trump. CENTCOM spokesman Captain Timothy Hawkins said the command has a history of innovative thinking, and that Admiral Brad Cooper reaches out to team members regardless of rank. Meanwhile, Trump announced last night a deal with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of negotiations, after canceling the extensive strikes he had promised. He said Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran asked him to cancel the strike. His remarks contradict a Wall Street Journal report that the UAE worked to carry out a broad attack, and corroborate an AP report that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman worked to block the attack.