Limits of Airstrikes and Ammo Depletion... "US Military Leadership Seeking Exit Strategy for Iran War"

The US military leadership is seeking an exit strategy amid assessments that military options in the Iran war have reached their limits, CNN reported on the 7th (local time).

According to sources cited by CNN, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Cain recently conveyed to aides in the Donald Trump administration that the US military needs to find an exit strategy in the war with Iran.

This is because airstrikes alone are unlikely to achieve the goals declared by President Trump, and plans currently under consideration to escalate the armed conflict could backfire.

Chairman Cain has expressed these concerns and discussed exit strategies while contacting officials including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance.

President Trump has shown reluctance to deploy ground troops against Iran, instead sending signals suggesting he believes airstrikes can force Iran to come to an agreement.

However, aides view the likelihood of such an outcome as slim and have been working to develop other viable options within the framework presented by President Trump, according to CNN.

A decline in US ammunition stockpiles has also played a role.

According to sources, the US military leadership currently assesses that ammunition stockpiles are "dangerously depleted," and Chairman Cain recently raised concerns about inventory levels during a meeting with President Trump.

In addition to Chairman Cain, Middle Eastern officials recently conveyed concerns to the US side that a shortage of core air defense systems could affect their ability to fend off Iranian attacks.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.