From missiles to meetings — Trump puts America’s generals on the diplomatic front line.
President Donald Trump has turned to senior U.S. military leaders for unusually prominent diplomatic roles, dispatching top commanders to negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
The head of U.S. Central Command, Adm. Brad Cooper, joined indirect U.S.–Iran talks in Oman on Friday, marking the first time a serving CENTCOM commander has taken part in such negotiations. Cooper appeared in full uniform, underscoring Washington’s military buildup in the region as Trump presses Tehran to accept limits on its nuclear program.
At the same time, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has emerged as a key intermediary in talks aimed at ending the Russia–Ukraine war. Driscoll participated in recent negotiations in Abu Dhabi, maintaining contact with Ukrainian officials between formal sessions and acting as a liaison to Trump’s inner circle.
The move reflects a broader shift in Trump’s foreign policy style, relying on military leaders alongside civilian envoys to signal resolve and keep pressure on adversaries. Analysts say Cooper’s presence in the Iran talks was intended to reinforce the implicit threat of force, while also bringing technical military expertise to discussions over nuclear capabilities.
Trump said the Oman talks were “very good” but warned of “very steep” consequences if Iran refuses a deal. Meanwhile, Driscoll’s involvement has helped reopen high-level military-to-military dialogue between Washington and Moscow, suspended since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Critics argue the approach sidelines traditional diplomacy, while supporters note that U.S. presidents have historically used trusted military figures as emissaries during moments of heightened global tension.
