Silent Force: US General “Gorilla” Plays Key Role in Iran Policy Shift

General Erik Kurilla, head of the US Central Command and nicknamed "Gorilla," is quietly playing a decisive role in shaping American policy on Iran, reports Politico, citing military officials.

Kurilla is said to hold "unusually broad authority" within the Pentagon, granted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Sources claim he regularly overrides other senior Pentagon officials, spends significant time with the President, and gets approval for nearly all his requests—from increased aircraft carrier deployments to repositioning fighter jets in the region.

“He’s very effective at getting exactly what he wants,” one official noted, linking Kurilla’s influence to his former combat leadership experience in the Middle East.

While Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell insisted that Hegseth empowers all commanders equally and relies on their operational expertise, insiders suggest Kurilla stands out.

Previously, Bloomberg reported that top US officials, including leaders of several federal agencies, are preparing for a potential strike on Iran. Allies have reportedly warned President Donald Trump that Iran is dangerously close to acquiring nuclear weapons.

Following those reports, Trump’s rhetoric has intensified. He now openly considers military intervention in the Iran-Israel conflict and has given initial approval to proposed strike plans. The Republican leader warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions could “blow up the whole world,” demanding Tehran’s “unconditional surrender” as a “final ultimatum.”

In response, several Democratic senators have urged the President to seek congressional approval before taking the nation into war. They’ve requested detailed briefings on the objectives and financial implications of any planned military action.