CNN, citing informed sources and a U.S. official today, reported: "At Friday’s White House meeting, Vice President Vance and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both expressed concerns over the potential escalation of conflict with Iran, as President Trump was considering whether to expand military operations against Iran. Late Friday, after nearly two weeks of nightly airstrikes, the United States appeared to pause its bombing campaign targeting Iran. A U.S. Department of Defense source confirmed to CNN on Saturday that the related military operations were 'on hold.'
Commentary: Vance represents the MAGA faction, while Caine embodies the frontline military establishment. Their joint pressure on Trump to avoid escalating hostilities stems from their clear understanding that further expansion of strikes could easily spiral into a large-scale, protracted war—costs of which would be unpredictable and potentially self-destructive, possibly leading to an uncontrollable situation. Escalation would drive up oil prices, exacerbate inflation in the United States, and likely trigger sustained retaliation against U.S. military bases in the Middle East, plunging America into a high-consumption war. Such a scenario would not only divert strategic resources but also provoke public opposition, undermining Trump’s political prospects. It was precisely due to these risk warnings that Trump chose to temporarily halt the airstrikes. However, this pause is more of a tactical breathing space rather than a definitive retreat; it does not mean the U.S. will abandon pressure. While suspending bombings to monitor developments, the U.S. awaits Iran’s response—making the likelihood of renewed conflict significant, and the situation remains tense.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871762486036491/
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