WASHINGTON : The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Kaine, has warned that while resuming large-scale military operations against Iran remains possible, such a move would dangerously deplete the US military’s stockpile of interceptor missiles, according to senior officials.
The caution comes as President Donald Trump ordered a halt to attacks on Iran, pausing a 13-day military campaign on Friday. It remains unclear whether the suspension is a temporary lull or signals a formal ceasefire.
US media reports indicate that Vice President JD Vance and General Kaine both expressed reservations during a White House meeting regarding an escalation of the conflict. The New York Times, citing senior anonymous officials, reported that Kaine privately cautioned that renewed large-scale strikes would significantly reduce the interceptor missile inventory held by US Central Command.
Furthermore, officials acknowledged that the US attacks have produced unintended consequences, backfiring by providing Iran an opportunity to unite internally. Iranian leaders are reportedly focusing on external threats, which has consolidated domestic support for Tehran’s leadership.
Diplomatic efforts are cited as a key factor behind the pause. US media reported that Omani officials traveled to Iran on Friday for negotiations, prompting the halt in US operations.
Despite the pause, President Trump told reporters that he retains the option to continue the attacks and increase their intensity, stating that “everything can be destroyed.” However, he emphasized that the “smart strategy” is to deal with Iran diplomatically.
The Pentagon has not officially commented on the stockpile concerns raised by General Kaine.
