Trump Says Iran Strike Would Be “Easily Won” Despite Pentagon Warnings of Military Strain

President Donald Trump said a military strike on Iran would be “easily won,” even as his top military adviser privately warned that a prolonged campaign could strain U.S. forces and deplete key defenses.

According to reporting by Axios and The Wall Street Journal, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine has advised Trump that a sustained campaign against Iran could carry significant dangers, including American casualties, strain on U.S. forces and the risk of entanglement in a broader regional war.

The debate comes as U.S. and Iranian officials prepare for nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, confirmed by Oman’s foreign minister, with Washington weighing whether diplomacy can still produce results.

Trump pushed back forcefully against suggestions that Caine opposes military action. In a post on Truth Social, the president wrote: “General Caine, like all of us, would like not to see War but, if a decision is made on going against Iran at a Military level, it is his opinion that it will be something easily won.” He added: “Everything that has been written about a potential War with Iran has been written incorrectly, and purposefully so.”

Behind the scenes, officials familiar with the discussions told Axios that Caine has raised concerns about the consequences of an extended campaign. One source described him as a “reluctant warrior” on Iran, while another said he is “clear-eyed and realistic” about what could follow once war begins. A senior official denied that Caine had expressed skepticism about military action.

Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon warned Trump that a prolonged military campaign against Iran could carry significant risks, including American casualties, strain on U.S. forces, depletion of air defense systems and broader readiness concerns. The report added that heavy use of limited air-defense munitions could reduce U.S. preparedness in other theaters, including against China.

Caine’s position carries particular weight inside the administration. According to Axios, he has been the only senior military leader briefing Trump in recent weeks on Iran. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper has not participated in the president’s Iran meetings and has not spoken directly with Trump since the crisis began in early January, a senior administration official confirmed.

Vice President J.D. Vance has also raised questions internally about the risks and complexity of a strike, though aides insist he is not outright opposed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not strongly advocated either course, according to two sources cited by Axios.

“In his role as military advisor to the President, Secretary of War, and National Security Council, the Chairman provides a range of military options, as well as secondary considerations and associated impacts and risks, to the civilian leaders who make America's security decisions. The Chairman provides these options confidentially,” Joint Staff spokesperson Joe Holstead said.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly added: “General Caine is a talented and highly-valued member of President Trump's national security team. The President listens to a host of opinions on any given issue and decides based on what is best for US national security.”

Trump, for his part, emphasized that the final decision rests with him. “I am the one that makes the decision, I would rather have a Deal than not but, if we don’t make a Deal, it will be a very bad day for that Country…”

A senior administration official said no decision has yet been made, stressing: “The decision to strike, when and how or if at all, has not been made.” The coming days and the outcome of the Geneva talks may determine whether the administration leans toward diplomacy or military action.