CENTCOM, CIA Intensify Operational Cooperation With Israel
General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander since 2022, has intensified joint missions with Israel, participating in strategic meetings with the heads of the IDF and Israeli security agencies. These meetings aim to strengthen military interoperability and coordinate possible action plans against Iran, aligning the two countries on offensive and defensive strategies - as confirmed by official CENTCOM sources and Ynet articles )
Israeli sources describe him as a fervent supporter of targeted attacks on Iran's nuclear program, deeming strong bilateral cooperation essential.
Kurilla Closer to Netanyahu Than to the White House?Kurilla is perceived as more aligned with Israeli strategic priorities than with US political hierarchies. He has called Iran “just steps away” from obtaining highly enriched uranium, arguing that decisive military options are needed . In a recent hearing on June 10, 2025, he confirmed that he had presented “a range of options” to President Trump for operations against Iran, confirming preparations for the possible use of “overwhelming force.”
American and Israeli analysts have even speculated that Israel chose the timing of the attack – which occurred between June 13 and 22 – knowing that Kurilla, who was leaving command in July, would have given the “green light” to close cooperation ( ) .
New Chairman of the General Staff: Political-Financial IntriguesReports are emerging about a new chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, a former member of a hedge fund linked to the Kushner family, historically close to Trump. This connection could represent a bridge between the military leadership, the pro-Israel lobby and financial circles. Although the appointment has not yet been mentioned by official sources, the rumor is widespread in circles close to the administration.
Current in favor of the use of tactical nuclear weaponsFor the first time in 2025, US government sources admit to formal discussions about using tactical nuclear weapons – specifically bunker-busters combined with nuclear warheads – to strike sites like Fordow. The Kremlin, via Peskov, called the possibility “catastrophic,” while TASS sources confirm Russian diplomatic opposition .
New nuclear arms raceAccording to the SIPRI Yearbook 2025, the global nuclear inventory exceeded 12,241 warheads as of January 2025, with approximately 9,614 operational and 2,100 on high alert (mostly US and Russian) . In European arsenals, the US maintains approximately 100 tactical warheads readily deployed. Al Jazeera highlighted the ongoing expansion of nuclear capabilities .
The military-lobby “axis”: dynamics and operationsIn addition to operational coordination between CENTCOM, the CIA and Israeli intelligence, sources used in humanitarian projects provide cover for paramilitary operations in the Gaza Strip. The new chairman, with financial and political ties, represents a fulcrum for ensuring access to strategic resources and defense contracts, strengthening the influence of the Trump–Kushner network and the pro-Israel lobby.
Why it is crucialDiplomatic militarization: CENTCOM and the CIA – with funding and political support – act as a silent tactical force, making US-Israeli cooperation a potential springboard to an offensive project against Iran.
Nuclear Pressure: Strategy at fortified sites like Fordow may require tactical nuclear warheads, redefining the boundaries between defensive and offensive missions.
Political Influence: The intertwining of military leadership and financial institutions linked to the pro-war world increases the weight of lobbies in the decision-making process.
Risk of escalation: The acceleration of the nuclear arms race, especially tactical ones, may escape internal political control, leaving only the US Congress as a barrier – in a context of growing polarization.
Current scenarioIn light of Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22 (US strikes on Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan with bunker-busters and Tomahawks) , the subsequent Iranian missile launch on Al-Udeid in Qatar on June 23 – known as “Glad Tidings of Victory” – marked an escalation that could have been extinguished with a truce on June 24. However, the risk remains very high if diplomatic red lines continue to shift towards nuclear taboos.
Permanent Operational Network between the US and IsraelFrom a cooperation presented as defensive, a permanent operational network between the US military and Israel is emerging, with possible political, humanitarian and strategic implications. The existence of currents in favor of the use of tactical nuclear weapons and the acceleration of the global nuclear race indicate that the rhetoric of "containment" hides much more disturbing scenarios. The US leadership is now at a crossroads: contain this offensive push or risk an uncontrollable escalation.
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