WASHINGTON: US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine has privately urged senior Trump administration officials to explore ways to de-escalate the war with Iran, warning that available military options could deliver limited results while risking wider retaliation, according to a CNN report.
Citing three sources familiar with the discussions, CNN reported that Caine raised his concerns with senior officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.
Caine and other officials reportedly believe that airpower alone is unlikely to compel Tehran to accept US demands, despite President Donald Trump’s stated preference to avoid a ground invasion.
The report said Caine and other senior officials had expressed reservations about a proposed escalation in late July, citing concerns that Iran could retaliate against US allies and regional energy infrastructure.
Trump subsequently postponed the operation after Gulf partners warned of possible attacks, according to the report.
Another concern is the condition of US weapons stocks, with officials reportedly worried about depleted supplies of air-defense interceptors and precision-guided munitions. Such shortages could limit Washington’s ability to sustain a prolonged military campaign.
Despite his warnings about the risks of escalation, Caine has reportedly stressed that US forces could inflict significant damage on Iran if Trump orders expanded military action.
The administration is now reportedly exploring an outcome that Trump could present as a political victory while preserving space for diplomacy. One possibility under discussion is an agreement that would allow commercial shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz.
The developments come as Washington continues to balance military pressure against diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end.
A US official told Reuters on Friday that progress was being made in negotiations between Iran and Oman aimed at ensuring commercial shipping can pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
