Dan Caine pushes for ‘off-ramp’ from Iran war amid concerns over military options, report says
WASHINGTON, DC: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine has privately told senior Trump administration officials that the United States needs to find an “off-ramp” from its ongoing war with Iran, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Caine has raised concerns that further military escalation could lead to unintended consequences and that airpower alone may not achieve President Donald Trump’s objectives in Iran. The reported discussions come as the conflict with Iran enters its sixth month and the administration continues to gauge its military options.
Dan Caine raises concerns over limits of military escalation
According to a CNN report, Caine has discussed the potential risks of further escalation with senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, according to people familiar with the matter. “Caine is looking for an off-ramp,” one source said.
The discussions have focused on the limitations and potential consequences of available military options, including operations without deploying US soldiers into Iran. Caine has also sought to coordinate with other administration officials before presenting military options to Trump.
The chairman has previously warned publicly that “airpower has its limits.” Officials said he privately believes bombing alone is unlikely to force Iran into accepting any deal on terms favorable to Trump.
Trump has largely opposed deploying US ground forces in Iran and has instead emphasized the use of airpower to pressure Tehran. The president has also considered strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and other targets, although officials have expressed concerns about possible Iranian retaliation against US bases in the region.
Caine has also raised concerns about US weapons stockpiles. Military officials have warned that extended operations have placed pressure on supplies of key munitions and missile-defense systems, potentially limiting the options available for further escalation.
Trump still weighs military pressure as war enters sixth month
The reported concerns come as Trump continues to maintain that military pressure can force Iran to meet his demands, including his longstanding insistence that Tehran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.
The administration has also faced concerns about the cost and duration of the conflict. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said US military operations in Iran had cost an estimated $37.5 billion and requested additional funding from Congress that would include money to replenish weapons stockpiles.
Trump has, however, rejected reports that the military is running short of key weapons, accusing those who disclose information about stockpiles of leaking sensitive material.
Despite Caine’s reported concerns, officials say he has continued to present Trump with military options and has emphasized that US forces retain the ability to inflict significant damage on Iran if the president orders further escalation.
