The top commander of the U.S. Central Command reports to Trump on military options against Iran.

On February 26 local time, General Brad Cooper, the commander of the U.S. Central Command, reported to President Trump on military action options against Iran. The commander of the U.S. Central Command is the highest-ranking military officer in the Middle East. This was Cooper's first briefing to Trump since the escalation of the Iran crisis last December.

Informed officials stated that General Dan Kane, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also attended the briefing. Previously, Trump had ordered a significant troop increase in the Middle East and was considering whether to initiate military action against Iran.

This briefing came at the conclusion of the third round of nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. A senior U.S. official described the negotiations as "positive," but did not disclose further details. Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian stated that both sides had reached an understanding on some issues, but differences remained, and the next round of negotiations would take place next week, with technical discussions in Vienna.

On the same day, U.S. Vice President Pence stated that even if Trump considers military strikes against Iran, it is "absolutely impossible" for the U.S. to become embroiled in a prolonged war in the Middle East. Pence mentioned that he has always been "skeptical of foreign military interventions" and emphasized that any potential military action would be limited and controllable, and would not escalate into a long-term conflict. (CCTV reporter Liu Xu)