CNN: US top general warns Iran war could backfire

U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine has privately told senior advisers to President Donald Trump that Washington should seek a way to de-escalate its war with Iran, amid concerns that further military action could backfire and that airpower alone may not achieve the president’s stated objectives, according to three people familiar with the discussions speaking to CNN.

“Caine is looking for an off ramp,” one of the sources told CNN.

Caine has reportedly discussed concerns over potential military options for escalating the conflict with other senior Trump administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, two of the sources said.

The discussions come as the conflict reaches what the sources described as a critical point, with the administration weighing its next steps.

Caine has held separate discussions with some senior Trump advisers who share his concerns, seeking to improve coordination among government agencies and ensure officials are aligned ahead of meetings with the president.

The aim has been to highlight the limitations and potential risks of available military options, including scenarios that would not involve deploying U.S. ground troops, according to the sources.

“I think it is just his way of protecting the military,” one of the sources told CNN, referring to Caine’s discussions with senior national security officials about the conflict with Iran.

Another factor is the strain on U.S. weapons stockpiles. Previous reporting has indicated that supplies of key munitions have been declining during the conflict.

The issue has also reportedly been raised by officials from Gulf states, who have warned U.S. administration officials that shortages of advanced American air-defence systems could affect their ability to protect themselves against potential Iranian retaliation if Trump chooses to escalate the conflict.

By Sabina Mammadli