'Creative, unconventional ways': US Central Command asks military analysts for new ideas to punish Iran

Donald Trump claimed on Monday that talks were underway with Iran to reach a deal to end the war. However, Tehran denied any such discussions.

A source noted that CENTCOM is looking at everything, acknowledging it needs to reevaluate the strategy.

U.S. military officials say effort to crowdsource a solution to the war via email blast is highly unusual

A senior U.S. Central Command official sent an email last week to colleagues looking for new and creative ideas for how to pressure Iran into capitulating to U.S. demands. “We are looking for new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran,” an officer in CENTCOM’s intelligence branch wrote in the emai

Donald Trump and his administration appear to be at a loss for how to move the needle in the conflict

CENTCOM is reportedly crowdsourcing ideas on how to pressure Iran in a military conflict the president vowed would be quick and easy.

‘Creative and unconventional’: Inside the Pentagon’s effort to crowdsource ideas for the war with Iran from its own troops  CNN

Report: U.S. Army Asks Soldiers for 'Unconventional' Ideas to Punish Iran  Haaretz

The Trump administration is running out of ways to pressure Iran, with its airstrikes failing to end Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz or force the country back to the negotiating table. So now the military is asking for “unconventional” new ideas. CNN reports that an officer in the U.S. Central Command’s intellig

Military officials described the crowdsourcing-style email as unusual, while a second source said CENTCOM was reviewing its approach and considering a wide range of alternatives.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters onboard Air Force One while returning to the White House, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)The US Central Command has asked military analysts for “new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran” as Washington considers alternatives to bring Te

The request from a senior officer at the US military command carrying out President Donald Trump’s war with Iran came in an email: We need ideas. “We are looking for new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran,” an officer in US Central Command’s intelligence branch wrote in a message sent Wednesda

The US military reportedly sought "creative and unconventional" ideas to pressure Iran as Trump prepared for renewed talks with Tehran.