U.S. Central Command, known as CENTCOM, prepared a range of military responses if ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran break down, Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla confirmed during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, June 10. Kurilla told lawmakers he had provided both President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with multiple options if Iran does not give up its enrichment program, according to Reuters.
Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., asked whether CENTCOM was ready to use overwhelming force if Iran refuses to halt uranium enrichment. Kurilla confirmed CENTCOM’s readiness to act if ordered.
What is holding up the US-Iran nuclear deal?
Trump said this week that Iran continues to insist on maintaining its uranium enrichment program, a condition he called unacceptable.
“They seek enrichment. We can’t have enrichment,” the president told reporters Monday, June 9, at the White House.
Trump said the two sides remain far apart and described the Iranian position as “asking for things you can’t do.”
Iranian officials also rejected the current U.S. proposal, saying it does not reflect earlier negotiations. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran would submit a revised offer through mediators in Oman. U.S. and Iranian officials say talks have already gone through five rounds, with a sixth scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 15, in Oman.
What is Iran’s official stance on enrichment?
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said during the week of June 2 in a televised speech covered by Reuters that uranium enrichment remains central to the country’s nuclear efforts. Khamenei called the U.S. proposal inconsistent with Iran’s principles and rejected demands to abandon enrichment. He said the enrichment program is a symbol of national self-reliance.
How is the US increasing pressure on Iran?
As nuclear negotiations stall, the U.S. is ramping up economic pressure on Tehran.
On June 6, the U.S. sanctioned more than 35 individuals and entities linked to Iran’s shadow banking system and illicit oil trade. According to the State Department, this network has moved billions of dollars through foreign front companies, helping fund Tehran’s military and proxy activities.
The Treasury Department also updated its financial advisory for institutions to better detect Iranian evasion tactics, including oil smuggling and procurement of restricted materials.
