WASHINGTON: The United States (US) military has asked intelligence personnel to propose “creative and unconventional” measures aimed at increasing pressure on Iran, according to a report by CNN, signalling that Washington may be exploring a broader range of options in its approach towards Tehran.
The report stated that an officer within the intelligence branch of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) circulated a message on Wednesday to a wide group of military analysts requesting innovative proposals for dealing with Iran.
Exclusive: 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… pic.twitter.com/cLUJIYWQ5T
— CNN (@CNN) August 3, 2026
The message stated: “We are looking for new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran.” A source familiar with the communication told CNN that the request was distributed internally to encourage analysts to think beyond traditional military and strategic responses.
The report further cited a second source as saying that a senior US military officer had also sent a similar message last week, seeking fresh ideas on how Washington could respond to Iran amid ongoing regional tensions.
The report noted that the request originated from senior personnel within US Central Command, the military command responsible for American operations across the Middle East, including those linked to President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran.
The reported appeal for unconventional proposals comes at a time of heightened friction between Washington and Tehran, although neither the US military nor the Pentagon has publicly commented on the reported internal communication.
The report did not indicate whether any of the proposed ideas had been approved or were under active consideration.
