U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet officially decided whether the United States will join Israel in the war against Iran. However, what is known is who would lead potential U.S. airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities and other targets.

Axar.az highlights Bild’s report of the top U.S. military commander likely to lead any potential confrontation between the United States and Iran.

If military operations are launched, one of the Pentagon’s toughest generals would take charge.

Michael “Erik” Kurilla is the commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for the region. The four-star general is also known by the nickname "Gorilla."

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth continues to place full trust in four-star General Michael “Erik” Kurilla. According to reports, Kurilla also has the ear of President Trump during crisis consultations in the White House Situation Room.

Kurilla has already played a central role in the recent military escalation between Iran and Israel, according to Politico.

He reinforced the U.S. military presence in the Middle East by deploying an additional carrier strike group centered around the USS Nimitz, along with stationing F-22, F-35, F-16 fighter jets and bombers in the region. A third aircraft carrier is also reportedly en route to the Mediterranean.

General Kurilla: Trump’s Top Commander in Middle East Tensions

General Michael “Erik” Kurilla enforced the current large-scale U.S. military mobilization despite more cautious opposition from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine. Kurilla is deeply connected within President Trump’s circle of security advisers and, with his command set to end this summer, he no longer has to consider the risks to his career.

Kurilla earned a strong reputation as a decorated, battle-hardened soldier with experience in multiple war zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. In 2005, he led troops in a Mosul offensive, where he was shot three times but continued to fight — an act that earned him multiple Bronze Star medals. His earlier service includes deployments during the Gulf War, in Kosovo, and Bosnia.

The general, who enjoys full confidence from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is particularly familiar with the Israel-Iran conflict. In November of last year, he was stationed in Israel amid fears of an Iranian retaliation following Israeli strikes on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, Syria.