[News] Trump says Iran war decision only his, denies top general opposition

[Anti-Imperialist News]

english.almayadeen.net
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/trump-says-iran-war-decision-only-his--denies-top-general-op>
Trump says Iran war decision only his, denies top general opposition
Al Mayadeen English
February 23, 2026
------------------------------

US President Donald Trump denies reports that General Daniel Caine opposes
war with Iran, says decision rests with him and prefers a deal.

   - [image: President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn
   before departing the White House, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP)]
   <https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2026/2/10/32170f64-8bec-4535-94f8-d7562a11db02.jpg?width=1000>
   President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn before
   departing the White House, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Washington. (*AP*)

US President Donald Trump denied reports about internal disagreements over
a potential assault on Iran, affirming that only he makes such decisions.

Trump's Truth Social statement centered on claims that General Daniel Caine
opposes going to war with Iran, as well as "limited strikes" on the Islamic
Republic. Trump claimed the reports were “100% incorrect,” insisting that
the general has not publicly argued against military action.

In his remarks, Trump stressed that the decision to pursue military action
lies exclusively with him
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/trump-escalates-iran-threat-as-us-military-buildup-grows>.
“I am the one that makes the decision,” he said, underscoring a centralized
approach to US policy toward Iran.

While noting that General Caine would prefer to avoid war, Trump alleged
that if military action were ordered, it would be “easily won,” boasting
once again that military force remains an option
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/over-60-us-warplanes-deployed-in-jordan-as-threats-rise-agai>
despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Simultaneously, Trump warned of consequences if a deal is not achieved,
while claiming he prefers reaching an agreement.  “I would rather have a
Deal,” he said.
Initial report

Earlier today, *Axios*, citing informed sources, reported that US Joint
Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine has warned Trump that a potential
military strike on Iran
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-general-warns-trump-of-iran-strike-risks-amid-military-bu>
could draw the United States into a prolonged conflict.

The report stated that Caine cautioned that such an operation could
entangle Washington in an extended confrontation with Tehran, thereby
increasing the risk of escalation across the region.

According to the sources cited by *Axios*, Caine also warned that military
action against Iran could result in US casualties.

Despite raising concerns, the chairman reportedly told Trump that he would
support and implement any decision ultimately taken by the president
regarding a possible strike.

The reported warning comes amid ongoing debate within Washington over how
to address tensions
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/lindsey-graham-urges-iran-strike-as-trump-advisors-divided>
with Iran, as policymakers weigh diplomatic options against potential
military action.

*Read more: Iran may be preparing for long war with US: Responsible
Statecraft
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/iran-may-be-preparing-for-long-war-with-us--responsible-stat>*
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