WASHINGTON DC – Top U.S. Military officials have voiced serious concerns regarding President Donald Trump’s plans for a prolonged military campaign against Iran, according to reports. The potential for significant casualties among U.S. And allied forces, dwindling defensive air capabilities, and the risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East are among the warnings issued to the White House.
The concerns were reportedly led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, during internal Pentagon discussions and meetings of the National Security Council, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on Monday, February 23, 2026. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for escalation.
Military planners are currently reviewing a range of options, from limited strikes to a long-term air campaign aimed at weakening or overthrowing the leadership in Tehran. However, the Pentagon has highlighted that sustained operations would place significant strain on U.S. Forces and reserves of missile interceptor systems.
Stocks of defense systems such as Patriot, THAAD, and SM-3 are reportedly becoming limited. Officials warn that large-scale use of air defense munitions in the Middle East could compromise U.S. Preparedness for potential future conflicts with China.
Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened retaliation for any attack, warning that Iranian forces are capable of targeting U.S. Warships. U.S. Intelligence predicts Iran will deploy missiles from its stockpiles and proxy groups throughout the region in response to any military action.
The U.S. Has already deployed one of its largest air and naval forces to the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, including two aircraft carrier strike groups, with the second operating in the Mediterranean Sea. The situation has also prompted the State Department to evacuate non-emergency personnel and family members from the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon on Monday, February 23, 2026.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that General Caine’s role is to provide the president with an unbiased military assessment. This comes as President Trump is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, where he is expected to address economic concerns and foreign policy challenges, according to AP News.
Pengerahan militer terbesar sejak Perang Irak
Saat ini, AS telah mengerahkan salah satu kekuatan udara dan laut terbesar di Timur Tengah sejak Perang Irak 2003.
Kekuatan ini mencakup dua gugus tempur kapal induk, dengan kapal induk kedua yang beroperasi di Laut Mediterania.
Situasi keamanan yang memanas juga membuat Kementerian Luar Negeri AS mengevakuasi personel non-darurat dan anggota keluarga dari Kedutaan Besar AS di Lebanon pada Senin.
Juru bicara Gedung Putih Anna Kelly menyatakan bahwa peran Jenderal Caine adalah untuk memberikan penilaian militer yang tidak memihak kepada presiden.
