02.11.2026 14:14
According to The Atlantic's report, based on officials in the US administration and advisers close to Trump, US President Donald Trump is considering resuming attacks to bring Iran to the negotiating table. Advisers suggested that new attacks could begin after the November 3 midterm elections. While it was claimed that Trump questioned the performance of Defense Secretary Hegseth and General Caine, the Pentagon and White House denied the claims.
It was claimed that US President Donald Trump is considering restarting attacks on Iran, is looking for a name to "blame" for the responsibility of the war, and in this context questioned the performance of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine.
According to The Atlantic magazine's report, based on officials from the US administration and advisers close to Trump, Trump is considering restarting military operations to bring Iran to the negotiating table.
Advisers close to Trump said new attacks could begin shortly after the midterm elections to be held on November 3.
CLAIM THAT HE SOUGHT A NAME TO BLAME
Advisers arguing that Trump is looking for a name to "blame" for the responsibility of the war claimed that the US President sought the views of his close circle outside the administration regarding Hegseth and Caine's performance during the war.
Advisers claimed that Hegseth continually portrayed the duration and course of the war positively to Trump and told him what he wanted to hear.
PENTAGON AND WHITE HOUSE DENIED CLAIMS
US Department of Defense spokesperson Sean Parnell rejected the claims, stating that Hegseth presented all information regarding the current status of operations to Trump and senior White House officials, while White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly noted that they trust Hegseth and Caine and that both work in line with Trump's goals.
OPTIONS ON THE TABLE
Additionally, US officials stated that Hegseth and Caine presented military options to Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House last week.
Officials argued that the options before Trump include conducting attacks on Iran that could last from several hours to several weeks, maintaining the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and continuing the threat of military intervention.
Advisers and an administration official stated that the US President has not yet ordered the resumption of attacks but could keep his decision secret until the last moment.