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<a class="gmail-domain gmail-reader-domain" href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/trump-says-iran-war-decision-only-his--denies-top-general-op">english.almayadeen.net</a>
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<h1 class="gmail-reader-title">Trump says Iran war decision only his, denies top general opposition</h1>
<div class="gmail-credits gmail-reader-credits">Al Mayadeen English</div>
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<div class="gmail-reader-estimated-time" dir="ltr">February 23, 2026</div>
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<div class="gmail-moz-reader-content gmail-reader-show-element"><div id="gmail-readability-page-1" class="gmail-page"><p>US
President Donald Trump denies reports that General Daniel Caine opposes
war with Iran, says decision rests with him and prefers a deal.</p><div><ul id="gmail-content-slick-0"><div aria-hidden="false"><li>
<a href="https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2026/2/10/32170f64-8bec-4535-94f8-d7562a11db02.jpg?width=1000" tabindex="0"><img src="https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2026/2/10/32170f64-8bec-4535-94f8-d7562a11db02.jpg?width=1000&preset=w750" alt="President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn before departing the White House, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP)" class="gmail-moz-reader-block-img"></a>
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn
before departing the White House, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Washington. (<em>AP</em>)
</li></div></ul>
<p>US President Donald Trump denied reports about internal disagreements
over a potential assault on Iran, affirming that only he makes such
decisions. </p>
<p>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 \u201c100% incorrect,\u201d
insisting that the general has not publicly argued against military
action.</p>
<p>In his remarks, Trump stressed that the <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/trump-escalates-iran-threat-as-us-military-buildup-grows" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decision to pursue military action lies exclusively with him</a>. \u201cI am the one that makes the decision,\u201d he said, underscoring a centralized approach to US policy toward Iran.</p>
<p>While noting that General Caine would prefer to avoid war, Trump
alleged that if military action were ordered, it would be \u201ceasily won,\u201d
boasting once again that <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/over-60-us-warplanes-deployed-in-jordan-as-threats-rise-agai" target="_blank" rel="noopener">military force remains an option</a> despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. </p>
<p>Simultaneously, Trump warned of consequences if a deal is not
achieved, while claiming he prefers reaching an agreement. \u201cI would
rather have a Deal,\u201d he said.</p>
<h2>Initial report </h2>
<p>Earlier today, <em>Axios</em>, citing informed sources, reported that US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan<a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-general-warns-trump-of-iran-strike-risks-amid-military-bu" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Caine has warned Trump that a potential military strike on Iran</a> could draw the United States into a prolonged conflict.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>According to the sources cited by <em>Axios</em>, Caine also warned that military action against Iran could result in US casualties.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The reported warning comes amid <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/lindsey-graham-urges-iran-strike-as-trump-advisors-divided" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ongoing debate within Washington over how to address tensions</a> with Iran, as policymakers weigh diplomatic options against potential military action.</p>
<p><strong>Read more: <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/iran-may-be-preparing-for-long-war-with-us--responsible-stat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iran may be preparing for long war with US: Responsible Statecraft</a></strong></p></div></div></div>
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