Top US General Warns Iran War Could Backfire, Seeks Off-Ramp

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine has privately told senior Trump administration officials that Washington needs to find an off-ramp from the war with Iran, according to a report published August 9, 2026. Caine raised concerns that further military escalation could backfire and that airpower alone may not achieve President Donald Trump’s stated objectives in the conflict, CNN reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter. “Caine is looking for an off-ramp,” CNN quoted one of the sources as saying. The top US general has discussed concerns over available military options and the possibility of finding an off-ramp with other senior Cabinet officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Caine has also held separate discussions with some of these Trump advisers to improve coordination between government agencies, with meetings focused on ensuring officials share the same assessment ahead of discussions with the President. The development comes as Washington continues efforts to secure the movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Vice President JD Vance said on Saturday that the US was working to establish a route for commercial ships to safely pass through the strategic waterway while maintaining pressure on Tehran. Speaking to Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany on “Saturday in America,” Vance said the plan involved Iran committing not to fire on commercial ships. Vance also said Tehran had informed Washington that it would allow the maximum flow of oil through the strait, but added, “we don’t trust it.” “We’re talking to the Iranians, of course. We’re trying to maximise the amount of oil and gas that is coming out of the Strait of H