Vice President JD Vance and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine voiced concerns about further escalating the conflict with Iran as President Donald Trump considered expanding military action during a White House meeting, a source familiar with the matter and a US official told CNN.
Following nearly two weeks of nightly strikes, the United States appeared to halt its bombing campaign against Iran on the night of July 24. A Department of Defense source told CNN on July 25 that operations are “on a hold.”
According to the sources, Caine warned about the state of the US munitions stockpile and outlined other potential consequences of continued military action. One source said the general told Trump and senior military officials that the armed forces were capable of executing the available options successfully but cautioned about the possible implications.
Both sources said concerns over the weapons stockpile were among several issues raised during the meeting.
It remains unclear whether those concerns, or the broader warnings about escalation, were the main factors behind the decision to suspend consecutive nights of strikes or whether the pause will continue.
“President Trump has always been consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the (Strait) of Hormuz or against allies,” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement.
By Jeyhun Aghazada
