Trump Weighs Iran Strikes as He Questions War Advisers

Trump has not ordered a return to strikes, but options presented to him range from brief attacks to a campaign lasting several weeks. Another option is to keep a naval cordon around the Strait of Hormuz while preserving the threat of further military action, or to end the conflict. Trump is also considering letting negotiations continue before deciding what to do next.

People close to the president say he has been asking about Hegseth’s and Caine’s performance as the war approaches its ninth month. The conflict has lasted far longer than the four-to-six-week timeline Hegseth was among those who anticipated, and Trump is said to believe the war is contributing to Republican political difficulties ahead of the midterms.

One outside adviser described Hegseth as skilled at telling Trump what he wants to hear. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell disputed claims that Hegseth had given an incomplete account of the situation, saying he provides the president and senior White House officials with the full operational picture. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the administration had full confidence in both Hegseth and Caine.

Hegseth recently removed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a senior military planner, amid a leak investigation. More than two dozen generals and admirals have left their positions during Hegseth’s tenure, according to the accounts of people familiar with the departures.

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke on Saturday about Iran negotiations and the timing of any renewed fighting. Netanyahu is pressing for strikes soon after the midterms, while Trump prefers to allow talks to proceed. Vice President JD Vance has proposed resuming direct negotiations with Iran, with its nuclear program included from the start.

Trump’s Iran War Leaves Advisers Facing Blame as Strikes Loom

The Iran conflict has stretched toward its ninth month, well beyond the four-to-six-week timetable Hegseth was among those who expected. Now Trump is asking allies about Hegseth’s and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine’s performance as he considers whether to restart strikes after the midterms.

The military options range from brief attacks to a campaign lasting weeks, alongside the choices of maintaining the Strait of Hormuz blockade or ending the conflict. Trump has not ordered renewed strikes. He is also weighing continued negotiations, even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presses for attacks soon after the midterms.

People close to Trump say he believes the war is contributing to Republican political problems and has focused attention on the advisers who anticipated a quick fight. One outside adviser said Hegseth tends to tell the president what he prefers to hear. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell rejected claims that Hegseth’s briefings have been incomplete, saying he gives Trump the full operational picture.

Hegseth has dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia amid a leak investigation, as more than two dozen generals and admirals have left their posts during his tenure. The turnover comes as the administration considers its next military steps and Vance has proposed renewed direct talks with Iran, with its nuclear issue included from the beginning.

Trump Weighs Iran Options While Testing His Military Team

Trump is weighing a range of choices on Iran, from short strikes to a campaign lasting several weeks, as well as maintaining the Strait of Hormuz blockade or ending the conflict. He has not ordered strikes to resume. Vice President JD Vance has proposed direct negotiations with Iran, including its nuclear program from the outset.

At the same time, Trump is seeking opinions about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, who have advised him on the war. The conflict has lasted far longer than the four-to-six-week timeline Hegseth was among those who forecast. People close to Trump say he sees the war as a factor in Republican political challenges ahead of the midterms.

Hegseth’s supporters at the Pentagon reject claims that he has sugar-coated the conflict. Spokesperson Sean Parnell said Hegseth provides the president and senior White House officials with the full operational picture; White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump has full confidence in both Hegseth and Caine.

Hegseth has removed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia amid a leak investigation, as more than two dozen generals and admirals have left their roles during his tenure. Netanyahu is urging Trump to strike soon after the midterms, while Trump would prefer to let negotiations continue. The president must weigh those competing approaches as he considers the next move.