Trump hits out at reports that top general flagged risks of attacking Iran
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly refuted media reports claiming that General Daniel Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned him about the risks of attacking Iran, calling the claims "100 percent incorrect." Trump dismissed the allegations on social media, stating that Caine believes a potential war with Iran could be easily won if ordered. This comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as Trump continues to threaten military action unless Tehran meets certain demands.
According to reports from *The Washington Post*, Caine raised concerns during a meeting with Trump last week about the challenges of engaging Iran, including issues like insufficient munitions, lack of regional ally support, and the potential for prolonged conflict and U.S. casualties. The reports also suggest that CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper has not been involved in high-level meetings regarding Iran since January, raising questions about the administration's military strategy. Axios further revealed that while Caine supported the Venezuela operation earlier this year, he has shown caution in discussions about Iran due to its higher stakes and risks.
Trump’s dismissal of these reports highlights a significant divide within the U.S. military leadership regarding the potential conflict with Iran. While Trump portrays Caine as confident in a swift victory, others within the administration express concerns about the complexity and long-term consequences of such an engagement. This tension underscores the broader geopolitical implications of Trump's ongoing threats against Iran, which have sparked international criticism and raised fears of escalating regional instability. As the U.S. continues to amass forces in the Middle East, the potential for a major conflict with Iran looms large, despite Tehran’s expressed willingness to negotiate and its rejection of maximalist U.S. demands.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026