Talks over? Trump presented with military options against Iran, Axios reports

Read also: Trump says negotiations with Iran have main goal

According to the outlet, this was the first time Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command in the Middle East, briefed Trump since the Iran crisis began in December 2025.

A US official said the briefing was also attended by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine.

The meeting took place as the third round of US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva concluded. Many within the Trump administration viewed the moment as a last chance for diplomacy before Trump decides whether to move toward military action.

A senior US official described the talks as “positive” but did not provide details. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the negotiations led to understanding on some issues while gaps remain on others.

According to Araghchi and Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, the next steps include consultations in Washington and Tehran, followed by expert-level nuclear discussions in Vienna next week. Araghchi also signaled a fourth round of talks.

What else is known about negotiations and war planning

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported details of the third round of talks, saying Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner demanded Iran dismantle its three main nuclear facilities and transfer the remaining enriched uranium to the United States.

They also said any future nuclear agreement should be permanent, unlike the deal reached under Barack Obama.

Iran rejected transferring uranium stockpiles abroad, halting enrichment, dismantling facilities, or accepting permanent restrictions on its nuclear program.

Amid difficulties reaching an agreement, Trump has not ruled out military options. Reuters reported Washington is considering scenarios ranging from limited strikes to a broader regime-change strategy.

Over the past month, the United States has deployed additional aircraft, naval assets, and other military equipment to the region.