US President Donald Trump on Monday categorically rejected media reports about his top general Dan Caine's opposition to any attacks on the Islamic Republic and also allegations about his administration's potential plans for limited military strikes against Iran.
“Numerous stories from the Fake News Media have been circulating stating that General Daniel Caine … is against us going to War with Iran … and is 100% incorrect,” Trump said, dismissing the reports.
“General Caine, like all of us, would like not to see War but, if a decision is made on going against Iran at a Military level, it is his opinion that it will be something easily won,” he added in a post on his Truth Social.
Trump also rejected reporting about internal debate over narrower military options.
“He has not spoken of not doing Iran, or even the fake limited strikes that I have been reading about … he only knows one thing, how to WIN and, if he is told to do so, he will be leading the pack,” Trump said.
He said he would prefer a diplomatic outcome but warned of consequences if talks fail.
“I am the one that makes the decision, I would rather have a Deal than not but, if we don’t make a Deal, it will be a very bad day for that Country and, very sadly, its people,” he said.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine had raised concerns within the Pentagon and National Security Council about the risks of a prolonged Iran campaign, including US and allied casualties, strained air defenses and overextended forces.
The Washington Post similarly reported that Caine warned Trump and senior officials about munitions shortfalls, operational complexity and limited allied backing, citing people familiar with internal discussions.
Axios reported that Caine had also cautioned that military action could risk dragging the United States into a prolonged conflict, adding that Trump has been leaning toward a strike but agreed to give envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner more time to pursue negotiations.
Separately, The New York Times reported on Sunday that Trump has been considering launching a limited strike on Iran in the near term to pressure Tehran in nuclear talks, with the possibility of a far broader campaign later if Iran does not concede.
