DistantNews
Support us
US Gen Caine warns Trump advisers airpower won't defeat Iran, seeks off-ramp as weapon stockpiles dwindle: Report
🇴🇲 Oman /Conflict & Security

US Gen Caine warns Trump advisers airpower won't defeat Iran, seeks off-ramp as weapon stockpiles dwindle: Report

From Times of Oman · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • U.S. military leadership privately advises President Trump's administration to seek an "off-ramp" from conflict with Iran, warning that airpower alone is insufficient.
  • President Trump expresses confidence the conflict will end soon, citing Iran's inability to continue and optimism about Strait of Hormuz negotiations.
  • The Pentagon denies reports of dangerously low missile defense stockpiles, while Vice President Vance reiterates the administration's commitment to military, economic, and diplomatic tools against Iran.

Top U.S. military officials are privately urging the Trump administration to find a way to de-escalate the conflict with Iran, warning that relying solely on airpower is unlikely to achieve President Donald Trump's objectives.

Caine is looking for an off ramp

— Source familiar with the matterDescribing General Dan Caine's private advice to the Trump administration regarding the conflict with Iran.

General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, has reportedly advised administration officials in recent weeks that the U.S. must seek an "off-ramp" from the escalating tensions. Sources familiar with the discussions suggest Caine believes that further military escalation could be counterproductive. "Caine is looking for an off ramp," one source told CNN.

This cautious military advice contrasts with President Trump's public statements. Trump expressed confidence on Thursday that the conflict would conclude "pretty soon," asserting that Iran "can't go much longer." He also voiced optimism regarding ongoing negotiations related to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

When I started the very important excursion into the Islamic Republic of Iran, it was a very important excursion because they can't have a nuclear weapon, otherwise the whole world would get blown up. We're not gonna let that happen.

— President Donald TrumpSpeaking to reporters about the U.S. stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions and the ongoing conflict.

Vice President JD Vance echoed the administration's stance, stating that the U.S. would employ military, economic, and diplomatic measures to secure a favorable outcome. Meanwhile, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth publicly refuted a CNN report alleging that the Pentagon's missile defense stockpiles had fallen to dangerously low levels, calling the report "NOT TRUE."

We will see those days pretty soon again, based on everything I see, as soon as the war ends. And I think the war's got to end pretty soon. I don't think they can go much longer.

— President Donald TrumpExpressing optimism about the imminent end of the conflict with Iran.

Despite the internal discussions and public pronouncements, the situation remains tense. The U.S. maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz through a naval blockade, but the risk of Iran disrupting shipping with mines or other actions persists. Trump indicated that negotiations are ongoing and could yield results soon.

That banner is NOT TRUE, @CNN. Shame on you. We don't hate the Fake News media enough.

— Pete HegsethResponding to a CNN report about low missile defense stockpiles.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Times of Oman. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog