Political Wire

SubscribeSign in
  • Front Page
  • Trending News
  • Polling Dashboard
  • Trial Balloon
  • Membership
    • Subscribe
    • Sign In
  • Sign In
  • Contact Us
Theme
Text size

Pentagon Dispute in Trump’s First War Foreshadowed Iran

October 5, 2026 · 11:28 am ET · Leave a Comment

“As Houthi militants in Yemen attacked ships with missiles and drones in the Red Sea early last year, top U.S. officials gathered at the Pentagon to prepare military options for President Donald Trump. Their meetings repeatedly grew tense,” the Washington Post reports.

“On one side were Gen. Michael ‘Erik’ Kurilla, then overseeing U.S. operations in the Middle East, and other hawks ready for action. The general was keen on military action not only against the Houthis, but also against Iran, which had backed the Yemeni paramilitary group for years with weapons and training.”

“On the other side were officials hesitant to launch military strikes so early in the second Trump administration, including the Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. who suggested that new U.S. assessments of what military action might yield would be wise before presenting the president with military options.”

National Security, White House

← PreviousA New Electoral Map for 2028Next →Who’s Running Ken Paxton’s Campaign?

Latest on Political Wire

  • 11:30 amWho’s Running Ken Paxton’s Campaign?
  • 11:00 amA New Electoral Map for 2028
  • 10:58 amOne More Data Point
  • 10:56 amStudents Lose Bid Over ‘Lets Go Brandon’ Shirt Ban
  • 10:25 amTrump’s Economic Meltdown Is the Ultimate Self-Own

Front page →

Political Wire is reader-supported. Join for ad-free reading, member posts and new features →

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

More about Taegan Goddard →

Your Account

Members

For the full experience, sign in.

Become a Member

  • Join Political Wire
  • Gift a Membership

Members Only

  • Who’s Running Ken Paxton’s Campaign?
  • The Battleground Is Getting Much Bigger
  • One Chart That Explains the Midterm Elections
  • Weekly News Quiz
  • Majorities or Mirage?

Word of the Day Political Dictionary

Blue State

A “blue state” is one whose voters elect primarily Democratic candidates.

Read the definition →

Yesterday’s Word of the Day: Mission Accomplished Moment

Show me a random term

Think You Know Politics?

  • The Way It Was →
  • Yea or Nay? →
  • Split Decision →
  • Pollster →

Copyright © 2026 · Goddard Media LLC

Political Wire® is a registered trademark of Goddard Media LLC

Also from Goddard Media: Political Dictionary · Political Job Hunt · Electoral Vote Map

Privacy PolicyCorrections PolicyContact