Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command and commander of forces in the Middle East, briefed President Trump on the status of the war in Iran on Thursday, focusing on the ongoing naval blockade, according to two U.S. officials.
Why it’s important: As he did before Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025 and Operation Epic Fury in February, Trump is pursuing a dual path: trying to reach an agreement to restart peace talks while preparing for a possible resumption of major combat operations after the midterms.
Behind the scenes: Trump wanted to hear directly from the CENTCOM chief whether the naval blockade was working, U.S. officials said.
- Cooper also briefed Trump on the military operation to guide oil tankers out of the Strait of Hormuz and into global energy markets.
- And he briefed Trump on the economic pressure campaign the military is waging in concert with the Treasury Department.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, White House envoy Steve Witkoff and other senior officials also attended the meeting, the officials said. Also present at the meeting were Vice President JD Vance, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
- The White House and CENTCOM declined to comment.
- The Wall Street Journal was first to report the meeting.
Driving the news: A group of regional mediators led by Qatar is trying to get the United States and Iran to avoid a resumption of war after the midterms in favor of negotiations.
- “The mediation is at a very sensitive stage,” said a regional source.
- Qatari mediators recently delivered a letter from Vice President Vance to Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, General Mohsen Rezaei.
- Vance offered to resume negotiations, but stressed that any discussion should focus on Iran’s nuclear program.
- Trump and Vance met Wednesday to discuss a possible goodwill gesture toward Iran, such as sending humanitarian goods like food and medicine, according to an informed source. Later that day, Trump publicly supported the idea.
What they say: U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack told CNN on Thursday that the United States and Iran are “very close” to an agreement to defuse tensions.
- “I think we’re about to finally get to a point where we can say, ‘Let’s just take a timeout,’” he said. “We won’t get a comprehensive solution right away, but we can allow the region to find its own rhythm.”
The other side: Iranian officials continued Thursday to demand that the United States take a series of steps — such as lifting the blockade, releasing frozen Iranian funds and allowing oil sales to Iran — before resuming negotiations over its nuclear program.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional details about the meeting.
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