The limited options available to the United States in its war with Iran have reportedly prompted Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine to search for an “off-ramp” from the conflict, according to CNN.
In recent weeks, Caine has warned senior advisers to US President Donald Trump that Washington needs to find a way out of the war, amid concerns that further military escalation could backfire and that air power alone will not be enough to achieve the President’s objectives.
“Caine is looking for an off-ramp,” sources told CNN.
Caine is reportedly not alone in believing that the conflict has reached a crossroads.
Talks with Trump’s senior advisers
Caine has discussed his concerns over the available military options with senior administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.
According to the report, the general has worked with some of these officials to improve coordination between agencies and ensure they are aligned before meeting with Trump.
The objective has been to clearly explain the limitations and potential risks associated with the available military options, including those that would not involve deploying US ground forces to Iran.
One source told CNN that Caine’s approach appeared to be partly aimed at protecting the US military.
Trump has opposed deploying ground troops to Iran, suggesting instead that sustained air strikes could force Tehran to accept a deal on Washington’s terms.
Caine and other Cabinet officials reportedly consider such an outcome unlikely and have instead sought alternative options that remain within the parameters established by the President.
Caine’s spokesman, Joseph Holstead, declined to discuss the general’s confidential conversations with Trump and other senior officials or comment on anonymous descriptions of those discussions.
A White House official, meanwhile, praised Caine as an important member of Trump’s national security team, saying he consistently provides the President with accurate and impartial information and a range of options.
‘Air power has its limits’
The conflict has now reached a point where several senior members of Trump’s national security team reportedly share a view Caine expressed publicly to lawmakers last month: “Air power has its limits.”
Caine and other administration officials have therefore been cautious about launching a new and more aggressive wave of attacks because of the potential consequences of further escalation.
According to CNN’s sources, Trump initially appeared prepared to approve a “massive” operation, with CENTCOM officials among those supporting the proposal. Israel was also reportedly in favour of escalating the conflict.
Trump ultimately stepped back after discussions with US allies in the Middle East, who raised concerns about potential Iranian retaliation against their energy infrastructure.
Further US strikes, however, have reportedly not been ruled out.
Declining ammunition stockpiles
Another factor influencing the decision has been the depletion of key US ammunition stockpiles.
The issue has reportedly concerned both Caine and Gulf officials, who have warned the US administration that shortages of advanced American air-defence systems could undermine their ability to defend against Iranian retaliation in the event of further escalation.
Caine has reportedly been particularly careful in managing his relationship with Trump and in explaining the disadvantages and potential consequences of military options directly to the President.
During a White House meeting in July, he reportedly highlighted risks including depleted US ammunition reserves.
At the same time, Caine made clear that if Trump ordered further operations, the US military would be capable of destroying Iran’s energy infrastructure.
As the war approaches the six-month mark, however, questions are increasingly being raised about the long-term strategy and Caine’s relative lack of experience in managing a prolonged conflict.
Seeking a ‘symbolic’ victory
According to the report, many US officials and outside analysts believe that achieving a decisive military victory over Iran would require a major operation involving ground forces.
Such an operation, however, could cost the lives of thousands of American troops. Although the Pentagon prepares plans for a wide range of scenarios, there is currently no significant support within the administration for such an intervention.
The focus is therefore shifting towards finding a solution that could offer Trump a “symbolic” victory that he could present domestically, while keeping the possibility of diplomatic progress alive.
One potential first step would be an agreement concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington searches for a path away from further military escalation.
Source: cnn.gr, Phileleutheros
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