Trump ignored top military brass and Tulsi Gabbard on Iran war repercussions: report

Trump ignored top military brass and Tulsi Gabbard on Iran war repercussions: report Joe Sommerlad Tuesday 25 August 2026 15:23 BST Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover Hegseth refuses to rule out US strikes against Iran President Donald Trump launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran in February despite warnings from top intelligence officials that military action could backfire, according to a report. The Wall Street Journal reports that the then-director of national intelligence and military veteran Tulsi Gabbard was summoned to the Oval Office to discuss the issue before strikes were launched on February 28. Despite concerns from military leaders and Vice President JD Vance regarding casualties and overstretched resources, Trump proceeded based on plans from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top commanders. The conflict is entering its sixth month, leaving 18 U.S. service members and 3,000 Iranians dead while causing oil prices to spike and draining American military resources. Following the lapse of a 60-day peace negotiation window, the administration is now deploying Operation Economic Outcast sanctions to pressure Iran financially. In full Trump ignored warnings from Tulsi Gabbard and US intelligence the Iran war would backfire: report