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Saturday, March 14, 2026
Top US general warned Trump before war that Iran could close Strait of Hormuz — report
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US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine warned President Donald Trump before the United States entered the war with Iran that Tehran could try to close the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Caine told the president in several briefings that US officials had long believed Iran might attempt to block the critical shipping lane using naval mines, drones and missiles if conflict erupted, according to the report.
Trump reportedly acknowledged the risk but decided to move forward with the military campaign, telling advisers he believed Tehran would likely capitulate before taking such a step, and that the US military would be capable of reopening the waterway if necessary.
During the ongoing fighting, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have all but closed the Strait of Hormuz, which borders Iran and through which 20 percent of global oil supplies pass.
Since the start of March, 20 commercial vessels, including nine oil tankers, have been attacked or reported incidents, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency.
The strategy is aimed at harming the global economy in order to exert pressure on the United States.
The Times of Israel Community.