Khaberni - Sources for the "Wall Street Journal" reported that the U.S. Department of Defense (the Pentagon) expressed serious concerns to President Donald Trump regarding the consequences of any extensive military campaign against Iran.
The "Wall Street Journal" mentioned that the Pentagon warned that the proposed plans carry significant risks.
The military leaders pointed out that the war plans under study involve risks including losses among U.S. and allied forces, depletion of air defenses, and troop fatigue.
General Dan Kain, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, led these warnings during meetings inside the Pentagon and with the National Security Council.
Current and former officials stated that other military leaders shared Kain’s concerns, considering that providing accurate estimates of human losses and logistic costs is an integral part of the Joint Chiefs’ role before any military operation.
Strike Scenarios
The military options being studied by the U.S. administration range from limited and initial strikes targeting specific facilities, to a prolonged air campaign lasting days aimed at undermining the Iranian regime.
Officials clarified that the specifically prolonged campaign could lead to the depletion of vital ammunition stocks and air defense missiles.
This shortage would not only impede the protection of regional partners from an Iranian reaction but could also affect American readiness for any future conflict.
Furthermore, Axios reported from knowledgeable sources that President Trump gave his envoys more time to negotiate with Iran in Geneva next Thursday to ensure all diplomatic avenues have been exhausted, after an initial inclination to launch a military strike.
Axios reported that for several days President Trump was leaning towards launching a military strike on Iran, but later agreed to give his envoy Steve Whitkov and his son-in-law Jared Kushner more time to negotiate, stemming from his insistence on "exhausting all means" before resorting to the military option.
In this context, Trump authorized a small team of experts to study the situation and present a set of adoptable options.
Within the corridors of the administration, the military option was met with notable caution. Vice President JD Vance raised questions about the risks and complexities of the operation, although he did not explicitly oppose striking Iran.
General Dan Kain was more cautious in discussions about Iran, unlike his enthusiasm for the Venezuela operation, as he alerted Trump and senior officials to the risks of the military campaign.
Kain believes that the risks of any major military operation in Iran are greater, with higher possibilities of involvement and American casualties.
Sources indicated that although Kain does not advocate for a military strike, he is realistic and clear-sighted regarding the chances of success and what might happen after the outbreak of war, and he will support and implement any decision made by the president.
