Senior figures within President Donald Trump’s administration appear to be quietly warning major media outlets about the risks of a potential military strike on Iran, as internal debate intensifies over whether the United States should escalate militarily.
Over a roughly 48-hour period beginning Sunday, at least five major news organizations reported receiving nearly identical warnings from anonymous U.S. officials. The briefings consistently emphasized the operational, strategic, and geopolitical risks associated with launching a military campaign against Tehran.
The backdrop to the internal warnings is a significant buildup of U.S. military assets in and around the Middle East. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, has entered the Mediterranean and is expected to be within operational range of Iran in the coming days.
Flight tracking data has also shown increased activity toward Diego Garcia, the U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean often used as a staging point for long-range operations.
In addition, reports indicate that 13 U.S. guided-missile destroyers have been repositioned to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean waters to counter potential Iranian threats.
Diplomatic talks between U.S. envoys and Iranian officials are scheduled to take place on Thursday in Geneva, adding urgency to internal deliberations.
Internal Warnings Surface
According to multiple outlets, President Trump has been weighing the possibility of a limited strike “in the coming days.” However, sources familiar with internal discussions say key national security figures have raised serious concerns.
Axios reported that Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and considered one of Trump’s most trusted military advisers, has privately cautioned that military action against Iran could escalate into a prolonged and costly conflict. One source described Caine as a “reluctant warrior” on the issue.
Vice President JD Vance, along with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is also said to have urged the president to allow diplomatic efforts additional time.
The Washington Post reported that during a White House meeting last week, attended by Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and adviser Stephen Miller, Caine warned that U.S. munitions stockpiles have been significantly depleted due to support for Israel and Ukraine.
Officials reportedly discussed the logistical challenges of mounting an operation without cooperation from key Arab nations, some of whom have privately indicated they would not allow their territory to be used for a strike.
Donald Trump
Supply Constraints and Strategic Risks
The Wall Street Journal added that U.S. interceptor supplies, including Patriot, THAAD, and SM-3 systems, are running critically low. According to the report, stockpiles could last roughly two weeks against a sustained Iranian missile barrage.
The Journal also warned that a prolonged conflict could divert military resources from long-term strategic planning related to China, a priority for U.S. defense planners.
Operational concerns extend beyond munitions. American pilots would likely face advanced Iranian air defenses during repeated bombing missions. U.S. troops stationed at bases across the Middle East could also become targets for Iranian missile retaliation or proxy militia attacks.
Strain on Military Personnel
The USS Gerald R. Ford is reportedly on course for an 11-month continuous deployment, a potential record. The carrier has faced reported maintenance challenges, and crew fatigue has been cited as a growing concern.
The Wall Street Journal referenced a Navy investigation into the loss of multiple fighter jets from the USS Harry S. Truman during Red Sea operations in 2025. The investigation concluded that relentless operational tempo contributed to those losses, underscoring risks associated with overextension.
Politico reported that Pentagon staff have spent recent weeks anticipating the possibility of sudden escalation, with officials going to bed unsure whether overnight developments would trigger immediate action.
Broader Regional Impact
Amid escalating tensions, the State Department has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family members from the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon. Officials are concerned about possible retaliatory actions by Iranian-backed militia groups.
Axios also reported that CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper, whose geographic command includes Iran, has not been included in recent White House planning meetings. This represents a departure from prior practice, as previous CENTCOM leaders routinely briefed both Trump and former President Joe Biden during periods of heightened tension.
White House Response
President Trump responded forcefully to reports suggesting that Gen. Caine opposes military action, stating on Truth Social that such claims were “100 percent incorrect.” He accused news outlets of publishing misleading accounts.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly reiterated that the president consults his national security team but remains the final decision-maker.
As diplomatic talks approach and military assets remain in motion, internal disagreements within the administration have become increasingly visible, not through official statements, but through coordinated briefings to the press. Whether those warnings reflect strategic caution or deeper divisions within the administration remains unclear.
For now, the prospect of U.S. military action against Iran appears to sit at a crossroads between diplomacy and escalation.
