The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has asked military analysts to develop "unconventional" ideas for punishing Iran, CNN reported, citing sources. "We are looking for new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran," a US Central Command intelligence officer wrote in a message to a group of military analysts, according to the report. According to CNN, the request highlights the limited and potentially politically unpalatable options available to the Washington administration in dealing with Iran. US President Trump said earlier that the United States and Iran would hold talks on a peace deal on August 3. According to Trump, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries asked Washington to refrain from attacking because the parameters of a deal had been agreed.