A U.S. senator: an imminent military strike on Iran is highly likely

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Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that “the launch of an imminent military strike is highly likely,” based on conclusions he drew from certain briefings and other sources.

In an interview with CNN, Blumenthal added: “I have the impression, from some of the briefings I received as well as other sources, that the launch of an imminent military strike is highly likely.”

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He continued: “I cannot go into further detail, except to say that I received several briefings in classified meetings. I cannot say when it will happen, but it remains strongly considered as a possible plan.”

He explained that he did not believe this “should surprise anyone, because the military leaders involved in this effort have been discussing it for some time.”

CNN reported, citing a source, that U.S. President Donald Trump was expected to review updated military options regarding Iran from officials at the Pentagon, as part of pressure on Tehran to agree to a deal.

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In an effort to break the stalemate in negotiations between the United States and Iran, U.S. military leaders presented President Donald Trump with new plans for action against Iran.

The commander of US Central Command, Brad Cooper, along with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, briefed President Donald Trump on Thursday regarding these new plans.

Two U.S. officials told the news site Axios that the briefing lasted 45 minutes.

This step comes hours after Israeli statements hinted at resuming strikes against Iran in coordination with Washington.

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On Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel “may be compelled to act again” against Iran to ensure it no longer poses a threat to his country.

In a statement issued by his office, Katz said that “U.S. President Donald Trump, in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is leading efforts to achieve the campaign’s objectives, to ensure that Iran will no longer, in the future, pose a threat to Israel, the United States, and the free world.”

He added: “We support this effort and provide the necessary support, but we may soon have to act again to ensure these objectives are achieved.”

Earlier, informed sources told Axios that “U.S. Central Command prepared a plan to launch a wave of (short and intense) strikes on Iran, likely to include infrastructure targets, in hopes of breaking the negotiating stalemate.”

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The briefing is believed to have included a plan to take control of part of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as an operation to seize Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

The Trump administration is seeking to provide a new interpretation of the 60-day deadline granted to the president before requesting Congress to extend the military operation in Iran.

The United States began its military operation against Iran at the end of last February but reached a truce on April 7.

The Trump administration is attempting to deduct from this deadline the period during which strikes against Iran were suspended, in accordance with a law dating back to the 1970s.

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