Trump’s top general urges de-escalation as Iran war options narrow: Report

WASHINGTON, Aug 8: 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, amid concerns that further military action could deliver limited results while provoking a broader regional conflict, CNN reported Friday.

Citing three sources familiar with the discussions, CNN said 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 airpower alone is unlikely to force Tehran to accept US demands, while President Donald Trump has continued to oppose sending US ground troops into Iran.

The report said Caine and other senior officials were skeptical of a proposed military escalation in late July because of the risk of Iranian retaliation against US allies and regional energy infrastructure. Trump ultimately postponed the operation after Gulf partners warned that it could trigger attacks, according to the report.

US officials are also increasingly concerned about pressure on weapons stocks, including air-defense interceptors and precision-guided munitions, which could limit Washington’s ability to sustain a prolonged conflict.

Despite his warnings about the risks, Caine has reportedly told Trump that US forces could inflict significant damage on Iran if ordered to escalate.

Meanwhile, administration officials are said to be exploring an outcome Trump could present as a political victory while preserving space for diplomacy. One possible avenue under discussion is an agreement that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.