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

Vice President JD Vance and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine both raised concerns about escalating the war in Iran as President Donald Trump weighed the possibility during a White House meeting on Friday, a source familiar with the matter and a US official told CNN.

On Friday night, the US appeared to pause its bombing campaign on Iran after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly strikes. Operations are “on a hold,” a Department of Defense source told CNN on Saturday.

During the meeting, Caine specifically raised concerns about US munitions stockpiles and other potential consequences of further military action, according to the sources. One source said Caine told Trump the military could successfully carry out available options but warned of the possible implications.

The stockpile issue was one of several concerns raised during the meeting. It remains unclear whether those concerns, or fears of further escalation, were the primary reasons behind the pause in strikes or whether military operations will resume.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said Trump remained committed to diplomacy while keeping military options open.

“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.

“Combined with successful sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy and 13 straight days of strikes against military targets in response to their repeated aggression, it would be wise for Iran to work towards a negotiated deal. Otherwise, they know what will happen.”

CNN has also reached out to Vance’s office for comment.

The developments come as key US weapons stockpiles remain significantly depleted, a situation that could worsen if strikes on Iran continue.

Speaking to reporters after Friday’s meeting with Cabinet members and senior advisers, Trump said US officials were actively negotiating with Iran, although he warned that the military could resume bombing or “make it a heavier dose.” He added that Iran appeared to be getting “more serious” in the ongoing talks.

As of Friday afternoon, the Trump administration was still deliberating over what further escalation would look like, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Gulf countries have urged restraint while acknowledging the United States has the military capability to intensify the conflict if it chooses.

Despite publicly considering a major attack on Iran, Trump had privately instructed his negotiators to “keep talking,” according to another source familiar with the matter, reflecting his effort to balance diplomacy with military pressure without deploying US ground troops.

Multiple sources told CNN that few within Trump’s inner circle or the Pentagon believed further military escalation would achieve the desired results.

CNN had previously reported that even before the conflict began, Caine and other military leaders warned Trump that a prolonged military campaign could significantly affect US weapons stockpiles.

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell defended the military’s readiness, saying: “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.

“We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests.”

Credit: CNN