The United States’ “limited options” in its war with Iran have reportedly prompted Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine to search for a solution and an “off-ramp” from the conflict, according to CNN.
In recent weeks, Caine has warned senior advisers to 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 may not be sufficient 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.
Meetings with Trump’s senior advisers
Caine has discussed his concerns about further military escalation 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 aim has been to make clear the limitations and potential pitfalls of 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 his way of “protecting the military.”
Trump has opposed deploying ground troops to Iran, suggesting instead that sustained air strikes could force Tehran to accept an agreement on Washington’s terms.
Caine and other Cabinet officials reportedly consider that scenario unlikely and have instead sought to develop alternative options that remain within the parameters set by the President.
Caine’s spokesman, Joseph Holstead, declined to discuss the general’s confidential conversations with Trump or other senior officials and rejected anonymous characterisations of discussions by sources who were not directly involved.
A White House official, meanwhile, praised Caine as a major asset to Trump’s national security team, pointing to the success of operations “Epic Fury,” “Midnight Hammer” and “Absolute Resolve.”
The official added that Caine consistently provides Trump with accurate and impartial information and a range of options, while the President ultimately makes decisions based on what he considers best for US national security.
‘Air power has its limits’
The conflict has 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 concerns over the consequences of further escalation.
Trump initially appeared prepared to approve a “massive” operation, according to the report.
Sources said members of CENTCOM supported the operation, while Israel was also in favour of escalating the conflict.
Trump ultimately stepped back after speaking with US allies in the Middle East, which raised concerns about potential Iranian retaliation against their energy infrastructure.
However, the possibility of future strikes has reportedly not been taken off the table.
Declining US ammunition stockpiles
The depletion of key US ammunition stockpiles has also reportedly played a role in delaying further attacks.
The issue has concerned both Caine and Gulf officials, who have warned Washington that shortages of advanced US air-defence systems could affect their ability to defend against Iranian retaliation if the conflict escalates.
Caine has reportedly been particularly careful in managing his relationship with Trump and in explaining the potential disadvantages of different military options directly to the President.
During a White House meeting in July, Caine reportedly highlighted risks including the already depleted US ammunition stockpile.
At the same time, however, he 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, criticism of Caine’s approach has intensified, while questions have also emerged about his relative lack of experience in managing a prolonged conflict.
Seeking a ‘symbolic’ victory
According to the report, several US officials and outside analysts believe that achieving a decisive military victory in Iran would require a major operation involving ground forces.
Such an intervention, 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 operation.
The emphasis is therefore shifting towards finding a solution that could provide Trump with a “symbolic” victory that he could present to the American public while preserving the possibility of diplomatic progress.
A potential first step could be an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington searches for a path away from further military escalation.
Source: CNN Greece
Also read: Dan Caine: Iran war as escalation backfires on US
