ByAMICHAI STEIN

Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) Gen. Michael Kurilla met with US President Donald Trump and presented him with military options regarding Iran, a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post Wednesday.

Kurilla himself supports joining Israeli strikes and is highly knowledgeable about both American operational plans and Israeli capabilities, owing to his role as CENTCOM commander, which he has held since 2022.

It is no coincidence that, according to reports, Israel wanted to carry out the strike before Kurilla leaves his position.

Then-Lieutenant General Michael Kurilla testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on his nomination to become Commander of Central Command during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, February 8, 2022.
Then-Lieutenant General Michael Kurilla testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on his nomination to become Commander of Central Command during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, February 8, 2022. (credit: REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID)

Kurilla to lead possible US operation against Iran

If Trump orders an attack on Iran, Kurilla would be the one to lead the operation.

A source familiar with the details of the meeting told the Post that Trump is attentive to what Kurilla has to say and also respects him.

"Trump would be pleased if the Iranians agreed to a deal he describes as ‘surrender,’” Israeli and US sources told the Post. “Since that is not on the horizon, the working assumption is that he will order a strike.