Trump Rejects General's Iran Warnings Amid Military Buildup
Trump called reports that Joint Chiefs chair Gen. Daniel Caine warned against an Iran strike "100% incorrect" while US forces build up and envoys prepare talks in Geneva.
Overview
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that reports claiming Joint Chiefs chair Gen. Daniel Caine opposed military action against Iran are "100% incorrect".
Multiple reports said Gen. Dan Caine warned that strikes risk drawing the U.S. into a prolonged conflict and noted munitions shortages and lack of allied support as complicating factors.
Joint Staff spokesperson Joe Holstead said the chairman provides a range of military options and secondary considerations to civilian leaders, and White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Caine provides unbiased advice and the president decides.
The U.S. military buildup near Iran has included two aircraft carriers, 16 additional warships and dozens of fighter aircraft, and ship-tracking data confirmed the USS Gerald R Ford and USS Mahan passed through the Strait of Gibraltar.
Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to meet Iranian negotiators in Geneva on Thursday, and on 19 February Trump said the world would find out "over the next, probably, 10 days" whether the U.S. will reach a deal or take military action.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story as a clash between presidential rhetoric and military caution, juxtaposing Trump's denials with reporting from Axios/Washington Post and military experts. Editorial choices — loaded verbs like 'lashed out', emphasis on a 'massive build-up', and detailed ship-tracking — amplify risk and skepticism while including Trump's quotes as source content.
Sources (7)
FAQ
The buildup includes two aircraft carriers (USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln), 16 additional warships including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, dozens of fighter aircraft such as F-35s, F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16s, F-22 Raptors, and B-2 Spirit bombers, plus missile defense systems and airlifted equipment.
Gen. Caine warned that strikes risk drawing the U.S. into a prolonged conflict, citing munitions shortages, lack of allied support, and Iran being a far more difficult target than previous operations.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the reports are '100% incorrect.' A Joint Staff spokesperson said Caine provides a range of options and considerations, and the White House stated he gives unbiased advice while the president decides.
Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to meet Iranian negotiators in Geneva on Thursday, with Oman mediating, amid Trump's statement that the world would know within 10 days whether a deal is reached or military action is taken.
It is the largest US military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion, surpassing even the 2025 12-day war, with multiple carrier strike groups and extensive air and naval assets.
History
4 sources