Gen Dan Caine has reportedly urged senior US officials to pursue de-escalation amid concerns over limited military gains, Iranian retaliation and depleted weapons stocks.
WASHINGTON, US — WEB DESK: US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine has privately urged senior Trump administration officials to seek a way to de-escalate the war with Iran, according to a report cited by The Express Tribune.
CNN, citing three people familiar with the discussions, reported that Caine had raised concerns with senior officials including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.
Military options reportedly producing limited results
According to the report, Caine and other senior officials believe air power alone is unlikely to force Tehran to accept US demands.
The concerns reportedly reflect the difficulty of achieving Washington’s objectives without triggering a broader Iranian response, particularly as President Donald Trump continues to rule out a ground invasion.
Caine and other officials were also reportedly skeptical of a proposed escalation in late July.
Gulf allies raised retaliation concerns
The reported escalation was postponed after Gulf partners warned that a larger US military operation could expose them to Iranian retaliation.
The concerns reportedly included possible attacks against US allies and regional energy infrastructure.
The development highlights the wider regional risks associated with expanding the conflict, particularly given the strategic importance of the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz to global energy supplies.
US weapons stocks under pressure
Another concern highlighted in the report is the depletion of US weapons stocks.
US officials are reportedly increasingly concerned about supplies of air-defence interceptors and precision-guided munitions, potentially limiting Washington’s ability to sustain a prolonged conflict.
The issue comes amid broader reports about pressure on US missile and interceptor inventories following months of military operations.
Despite the reported concerns, Caine has also stressed that US forces could inflict significant damage on Iran if Trump ordered a further escalation.
Administration seeks possible diplomatic outcome
The report said senior administration officials are now looking for an outcome that Trump could portray as a political victory while still creating space for diplomacy.
One possible element of such an arrangement could involve an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international shipping route.
The reported discussions underscore the growing challenge facing Washington as it weighs military pressure against the risks of a prolonged conflict, regional retaliation and mounting demands on US military resources.
The claims about internal administration discussions have not been independently confirmed by the White House or Pentagon.
