The Pentagon has warned President Donald Trump that a war with Iran could last indefinitely and cause numerous US casualties. These warnings arise from internal meetings of the Department of Defense and the National Security Council, as part of routine evaluations before any military action.
Warnings from General Dan Caine
The Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, General Dan Caine, a key figure in Trump‘s security team, has emphasized the threats of a war with Iran. Historically, interventions in the region like the 2003 invasion of Iraq generated prolonged conflicts, with over 4,400 US soldiers killed and costs exceeding $1 billion, according to US Congress data.
Mass deployment in the Middle East
The US maintains its largest military presence in the region since 2003, with the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford ready in the Arabian Sea. Trump does not back down from the risks of a war with Iran, despite the Pentagon’s evaluations. Recently, he launched a 10-day ultimatum to Tehran to negotiate or face military action.
Diplomatic pressure and opposition in Congress
Tension escalates, but dialogue persists: a key meeting in Geneva this Thursday could de-escalate. In Congress, Representatives Ro Khanna (Democrat) and Thomas Massie (Republican) push a War Powers Resolution to veto attacks without legislative approval. Citing the case of Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro was captured without parliamentary approval, they insist that no war with Iran proceeds without Congress.
- Current deployment: Two aircraft carriers and attack groups prepared.
- Historical context: Iraq 2003 left lessons of eternal conflicts.
- Experts: Analysts like those from the WSJ highlight human and economic costs.
The war with Iran represents a strategic dilemma: the Pentagon prioritizes military realism, while Trump hardens his stance. Experts in international relations, like those from the Council on Foreign Relations, warn that Iran has advanced ballistic missiles and allies like Hezbollah, complicating any scenario. This war with Iran could redefine regional stability, with global impacts on energy and security.
