Fact Check: Did Trump try to use nuclear codes on Iran but was stopped by Dan Caine?
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with Iran, a rumor has been going viral claiming that President Donald Trump sought to use nuclear codes against Iran and was stopped by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Army's Joint Chiefs of Staff, triggering speculation and concern.
Let us analyse and fact-check the claim.
Claim: Trump sought to use nuclear codes in Iran
Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson claimed that Donald Trump wanted to use nuclear codes against Iran but was stopped by General Dan Caine. He stated that this incident occurred during an emergency meeting at the Pentagon.
This claim follows a report from the Wall Street Journal, which noted that Trump was not allowed in the Situation Room during a rescue operation for two F-15 airmen who landed in Iranian territory after their jets were shot down.
An official mentioned in the report said the decision was made after Trump “screamed at aides for hours,” causing disruptions.
Appearing on the 'Judging Freedom' podcast, Johnson said, "They recognize they've got some problems and need to deal with them. There was a report that an emergency meeting was held Saturday night, and one account claimed that at the White House, Trump wanted to use the nuclear codes.”
"General Dan Caine reportedly opposed it, invoking his authority as head of the military," Johnson claimed. "It was described as a heated confrontation. Images showed Cain leaving the meeting with his head down."
Fact Check: No credible evidence to support the claim
However, there is no credible evidence or confirmed report that an emergency meeting was held at the Pentagon on Saturday, April 18.
A Pentagon briefing was held on Thursday, April 16, where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared alongside General Dan Caine, after which no other meetings or briefings have been reported.
Hence, there are no credible reports that support the claims of the former CIA analyst.
Trump claims US Navy fired on Iranian ship
President Trump recently addressed footage showing US Navy forces opening fire on an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, stating that the vessel had ignored warnings and was stopped by force.
“Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our naval blockade, and it did not go well for them,” he said.
“The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room. Right now, U.S. Marines have custody of the vessel,” he added.
