CNN Defends Iran War Report on Gen. Caine as 3 Anonymous Sources Draw Fire

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 9

CNN said Sunday it stands by its Iran war reporting after retired Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt challenged the network on air over unnamed sources and the claim that Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine sought an "off-ramp."
Three sources familiar with the matter told CNN that Caine warned senior Trump officials airpower alone was unlikely to meet U.S. goals and that some escalation options carried major risks.
Joseph Holstead, a public affairs adviser to the Joint Chiefs chairman, declined to address the report directly but agreed with Fox News Digital's characterization that CNN's sources lacked firsthand knowledge of the conversations described.
Kimmitt argued earlier anonymously sourced reporting about negotiations had proved inaccurate after Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly confirmed talks with Iran were underway.
The dispute comes as Washington and Tehran pursue a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. Central Command halted attacks following 13 straight days of strikes on Iranian targets.