Trump's top general seeks exit path from Iran war: 'Military options are limited'

The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, is seeking an exit path from the war with Iran, now in its sixth month. According to CNN, Caine has made clear in closed conversations that military options for escalation could backfire, and that airstrikes alone will not subdue Iran. He has spoken with Rubio, Vance, and the CIA director. In July, he opposed resuming fighting, while Israel and CENTCOM supported it.

The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, is seeking an "exit path" from the war with Iran, now in its sixth month despite collapsed ceasefires and violations of a memorandum of understanding. Three sources told CNN this. Caine has made clear in closed conversations with senior members of Trump's team that military options for escalation could achieve the opposite result, and that air power alone will not achieve the stated goals: dismantling the nuclear program and opening the Strait of Hormuz. He discussed his concerns with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance. A source said, "This is his way of protecting the military." Many in the cabinet believe that bombing will not subdue Iran. In July, when Trump threatened to resume bombing, Caine and others feared escalation; only CENTCOM and Israel supported the operation. Trump canceled the strikes following conversations with Middle Eastern leaders, but a senior official said future strikes are not off the table. The dwindling ammunition stockpile also influenced the decision.