Overview

• General Erik Kurilla has briefed President Trump on a wide range of military options against Iran, covering both offensive strikes and reinforced regional defenses
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has backed Kurilla’s requests by deploying a second carrier strike group through the Suez Canal and redirecting F-22, F-35 and F-16 squadrons to Gulf bases
• Kurilla’s push for an expanded air and naval posture has overridden earlier caution from Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby
• His frontline combat record and close rapport with Trump and Hegseth have magnified his influence over Iran policy as his July retirement nears
• The White House is now weighing those proposals while U.S. forces deepen coordination with Israeli and Gulf partners to deter further Iranian aggression