Vance, Caine raised concerns about escalating war in Iran, sources say as US pauses consecutive nights of strikes - CNN

What the report says

CNN reported that Vice President JD Vance and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, raised concerns in a Friday White House meeting as President Donald Trump considered whether to intensify the U.S. military campaign against Iran. Citing a source familiar with the matter and a U.S. official, CNN said Caine warned about pressures on U.S. munitions supplies and other risks, while indicating the military could execute available options if ordered.

The report said U.S. strikes appeared to stop Friday night after nearly two weeks of nightly attacks, with a Defense Department source telling CNN on Saturday that operations were on hold. CNN said officials also discussed the risk of high civilian casualties, refugee flows, Iranian retaliation against Gulf energy and desalination facilities, and broader regional escalation. The article noted that Trump had recently threatened civilian infrastructure, including roads, bridges and power plants; targeting such sites could raise legal concerns under the laws of war.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung told CNN that Trump prefers diplomacy but is keeping all options available if Iran continues activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against U.S. allies. A spokesperson for Caine declined to discuss private military advice to the president, and CNN said it had sought comment from Vance’s office.

The debate comes amid wider concern over U.S. weapons inventories. CNN cited prior reporting that stockpiles remain strained, and noted comments from U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz that munitions had been depleted by support for Ukraine and operations against the Houthis. Democrats criticized the administration’s handling of the war, while Trump told reporters negotiations with Iran were continuing and suggested Tehran was becoming more serious in talks.