Media: Trump is searching for those responsible for dragging out the war with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump, in the event of the failure of a new military operation against Iran, the start of which is expected after the midterm congressional elections, may place the blame on Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Dan Caine.

This was reported by The Atlantic, citing sources.

According to sources outside the administration but close to the head of the White House, the American leader is deliberating over whom to blame for the inability to end the war with Tehran. Previously, Trump's advisors had incorrectly assured him — even before the conflict began in February — that it would be over well before the midterm elections.

According to the sources, Hegseth is not popular in the White House; he gave overly optimistic assessments in order to please the president.

It is also noted that Caine's staff was apparently unaware of the recent decision to dismiss the head of the JCS Strategic Planning Directorate, Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia. Initially, they released a statement thanking Sylvia for decades of service, and several hours later announced that the previous statement "did not fully reflect all the circumstances of the matter."

The general was accused of disclosing classified information about Ukraine and Iran to two reporters from different media outlets.