US Vice-President JD Vance and CIA Director John Ratcliffe (Caine if referring to another official) privately raised concerns about the risk of an escalating war with Iran, sources say, as the United States halted its consecutive nightly strikes.
Vice President JD Vance and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine privately warned President Donald Trump about the risks of escalating the conflict with Iran during a White House meeting on Friday, according to a source familiar with the discussions and a US official.
Their concerns emerged as the United States paused its bombing campaign after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly strikes. A Department of Defense source told CNN on Saturday that military operations are currently “on hold”.
During the meeting, General Caine reportedly raised concerns over the state of US munitions stockpiles and the wider consequences of expanding the military campaign. According to the sources, Caine told the president that the military was capable of carrying out any of the available options successfully, but cautioned about the potential long-term implications of doing so.
Officials said the issue of dwindling weapons stockpiles was among several concerns presented to Trump during the discussions.
It remains unclear whether those warnings were the main reason behind the decision to suspend the strikes, or whether the pause will prove temporary.
In a statement, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said President Trump continued to favour diplomacy while keeping military options available.
“President Trump has always been consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against allies,” Cheung said.
He added that, following sanctions that had severely weakened Iran’s economy and 13 consecutive days of strikes against military targets, Tehran would be wise to pursue negotiations.
“Otherwise, they know what will happen,” he said.
CNN has also contacted Vice President Vance’s office for comment.
The latest developments come as key US weapons stockpiles remain significantly depleted, with officials warning they could come under further strain should the air campaign resume.
Speaking to reporters after Friday’s meeting with Cabinet members and senior advisers, President Trump said negotiations with Iran were continuing, although he also warned that the United States could resume the bombing campaign or even deliver “a heavier dose” if necessary. He claimed Iranian officials appeared to be taking the talks “more seriously”.
As of Friday afternoon, the administration was still weighing what any further escalation might involve, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Gulf states have urged Washington to exercise restraint while acknowledging that the US possesses military capabilities unmatched by its regional allies should it decide to intensify the conflict.
Despite publicly considering a major military strike earlier in the week, Trump had privately instructed his negotiators to continue diplomatic talks, according to another source familiar with the matter. The move reflects the administration’s efforts to balance military pressure with diplomacy while avoiding a broader conflict that could require US ground forces.
Multiple sources said few within Trump’s inner circle or the Pentagon believed further military escalation would achieve the president’s objectives without carrying significant risks.
CNN has previously reported that, before the conflict began, General Caine and other senior military leaders warned the president that a prolonged campaign against Iran could place considerable strain on US weapons stockpiles.
Responding to those concerns, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said: “America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing.”
