Trump's top general warns of Iran aggression risks: reports

US media report that General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has warned President Donald Trump against the myriad dangers associated with acts of aggression against Iran, including the high probability of a costly, long-term entanglement.

The Washington Post reported on Monday that Caine expressed concern at the White House and Pentagon regarding munition shortages and a lack of allied support, which could leave US personnel vulnerable.

Similarly, The Wall Street Journal noted that Pentagon officials are wary of US and allied casualties, as well as the depletion of American air defenses should they attempt to strike Iranian territory.

The Axios news outlet further claimed that Caine warned of the United States "becoming entangled in a prolonged conflict."

But Trump on Monday rejected the reports, claiming on his Truth Social network that it was "100 percent incorrect" that Caine was "against us going to war with Iran."

The US president accused media outlets of writing "incorrectly, and purposefully so."

He once again issued threats against Iran and "its people", claiming a "very bad day" would occur for them if an agreement is not reached during ongoing nuclear talks on a replacement for the 2015 nuclear deal, which was derailed by Trump’s unilateral decision to tear it up during his first term.

While the two countries held a second round of talks earlier this month in Switzerland, a third round is scheduled for Thursday, according to US officials.

Iran won’t initiate war, but will ‘decisively’ defend itself against aggression: UN envoy

The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations stresses that the Islamic Republic will not initiate any war but will deliver a “decisive” response to an act of aggression against the country.

The reports come as domestic and international pressure mounts against further escalation in West Asia.

Even within Trump's inner circle, figures such as negotiator Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have reportedly urged the president to abandon threats in favor of diplomacy, according to Axios.

Washington has continued its policy of "maximum pressure" by deploying a massive military force to the region, which includes two aircraft carriers, over a dozen warships, and a large contingent of warplanes.

Trump’s recent rhetoric suggesting a pursuit of regime change in Iran marks a stark reversal of his campaign promises to end "dumb regime change wars" in West Asia.

Iran has warned the US against any strikes, even "limited" ones, vowing a decisive response that would put US regional bases and Israel under immediate fire.

On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that any American military action, regardless of scale, would be viewed as an act of war and unwarranted aggression.

"And any state would react to an act of aggression as part of its inherent right of self-defense, ferociously. So that’s what we would do," ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said during a briefing in Tehran.

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