Trump hits out at reports that top US general warned against attacking Iran
BBC News14 hrs
Trump Denies General Caine Warned Against Iran Strike
Is attacking Iran a reckless risk that could overstretch U.S. forces or can Iran be easily defeated with overwhelming military advantage?
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump during a press briefing at the White House on Feb. 20, 2026. Image credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump's reckless push for military action against Iran ignores stark warnings about massive risks and reveals dangerous strategic incontinence. The military has informed him there's no painless victory option, yet he demands one anyway while the U.S. faces critical shortages of missile defense systems already depleted by commitments to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. Attacking Iran could trigger years of overstretch and represents one of the riskiest presidential military decisions in modern history.
Pro-Trump narrative
Reports claiming military leadership opposes action against Iran are completely false and deliberately misleading. General Caine led the successful Midnight Hammer operation that destroyed Iranian nuclear facilities and knows Iran can be easily defeated if military action becomes necessary. U.S. forces possess overwhelming advantages with advanced missile defense, stealth aircraft and proven anti-drone capabilities that make Iranian threats hollow.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
The Controversies
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0