US General Warns of Risks Associated with Potential Strike on Iran
Washington (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, has warned the White House that ammunition shortages and a lack of allied support could pose greater dangers to US forces in a potential strike against Iran, several American media outlets reported on Monday (23/2).
Caine conveyed to US President Donald Trump and his senior advisers during a meeting at the White House last week that any major operation against Iran would face numerous challenges, as US ammunition stockpiles have been significantly depleted due to Washington’s ongoing defence of Israel and support for Ukraine, The Washington Post reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.
Earlier this month, Caine voiced his concerns in a series of Pentagon meetings regarding the scale and complexity of any military campaign targeting Iran and the potential for US casualties, the report elaborated, citing unnamed sources.
Caine has also warned Trump that a military campaign against Iran could lead to a prolonged conflict, Axios reported on Monday.
In a statement, Caine’s office explained that as the president’s principal military adviser, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff “presents various military options, along with additional considerations and associated impacts and risks, to the civilian leaders who make US security decisions.”
Trump listens to “various perspectives on every issue but makes final decisions based on what is best for the country and our national security,” White House Spokesperson Anna Kelly said.
A new round of US-Iran talks is scheduled for Thursday (26/2) in Geneva and is expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, including uranium enrichment levels and the lifting of sanctions.
Many analysts have noted that the upcoming round of US-Iran talks is likely the final diplomatic opportunity before a possible large-scale joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran.
The Trump administration continues to deploy a massive military presence in the Middle East. Trump said on Friday (20/2) that he was considering a limited military strike against Iran.