CNN: Top U.S. General Maneuvers Between Conflict With Trump And Planning War Against Iran
5- 26.02.2026, 9:46
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The general's rhetoric contrasts with the U.S. president's public statements.
U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Kane has found himself at the center of a complex political and military balancing act: on the one hand, pressure from President Donald Trump to prepare options for strikes on Iran, and on the other, concerns about the scope, risks and potential casualties in the event of a major operation.
As CNN writes, citing sources familiar with the consultations, Kaine has held private meetings at the Pentagon in recent weeks, avoiding the traditional format of meetings in a special "Tank Room" to minimize the risk of leaks. During internal discussions, he emphasized the complexity of a potential campaign against Iran and the possible implications for U.S. troops.
Disagreements with the White House
The general's rhetoric contrasts with public statements by Trump, who has repeatedly suggested that a military operation against Iran could be swift and successful. The president said on social media that Kaine "knows only one thing - how to win" and would "lead the offensive" if ordered to do so.
The White House emphasized that the general provides the president with a "full range of options" with no policy preferences. An administration spokeswoman noted that the final decisions are made by the head of state.
Sources said, however, that during one meeting in the Situation Room, Kaine was unable to guarantee the projected outcome of a potential regime change operation in Iran, which lasted significantly longer than planned.
Lessons from Mark Milley
The general is trying to avoid an open confrontation with the president as he did under his predecessor, Mark Milley, who often clashed publicly and privately with Trump during his first term. Kaine has opted for a more restrained tactic of not engaging in direct confrontation but conveying a professional position in a private format.
Some in the defense establishment believe he is "holding back punches" in his communications with the president. A Joint Staff spokesman denies that, saying Kaine is fulfilling his statutory role of making risk-based military recommendations.
The largest concentration of forces in the Middle East since Iraq
Despite the cautious rhetoric, over the past month the U.S. has concentrated the largest amount of military equipment in the Middle East since the invasion of Iraq. According to sources, Trump has ordered options ranging from strikes on Iran's nuclear and missile sites to scenarios involving the elimination of the country's leadership.
Diplomatic contacts continue in parallel, but military planning is in full swing.
Political tensions at the Pentagon
Kaine's relationship with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remains complicated. According to sources, the general has repeatedly expressed concerns about personnel decisions and strategy documents, particularly regarding China's threat assessment.
Kaine, a former F-16 pilot and military liaison at the CIA, was brought back into the service by Trump after his resignation and promoted to four-star general, though he has not previously led a combatant command. The president has repeatedly publicly expressed confidence in him.
At the same time, inside the defense establishment, he has been called a "master of balance" - someone who is trying to keep the military apolitical at a time of increased politicization of the military.
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