President Donald Trump refuted claims on Monday that the top US military official had highlighted the dangers of a significant operation against Iran, asserting that the US would emerge victorious in any conflict with Tehran. Reports from US media indicated that General Dan Caine, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, had raised concerns about potential risks associated with strikes on Iran, including prolonged entanglements.
However, Trump, on his Truth Social network, dismissed these reports as “100 percent incorrect,” emphasizing that Caine was not opposed to engaging in war with Iran. The President stated that while Caine, like everyone, preferred to avoid war, he believed that any military action against Iran would result in a swift victory.
According to The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, Caine had expressed worries at both the White House and the Pentagon regarding potential munition shortages, lack of allied support, and the increased risk to US personnel. Additionally, Axios reported that Caine cautioned against the US getting involved in a drawn-out conflict.
Trump’s advisors, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, had advocated for diplomacy over military strikes, but the President accused the media of deliberately spreading misinformation. Trump’s spokeswoman clarified that diplomacy remains the primary approach in dealing with Iran, although the US is prepared to use force if necessary.
The US has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, deploying a substantial force including two aircraft carriers, multiple ships, warplanes, and other assets to the region. The USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has arrived at the US naval base of Souda Bay on Crete, en route to joining the significant military buildup in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards conducted military exercises on the country’s southern coast, as reported by state TV. The Iranian government addressed recent student protests, emphasizing the importance of respecting certain boundaries such as sacred symbols and the national flag.
In a tragic incident, an Iranian Army helicopter crashed into a fruit market in the central province of Isfahan, resulting in the loss of the pilot, co-pilot, and two merchants. Emergency services managed to extinguish the fire caused by the helicopter crash in the city of Dorcheh.