United States President Donald Trump has lashed out at media reports stating that General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned him of potential risks of attacking Iran, including becoming entangled in a prolonged conflict and the possibility of US casualties.

Trump responded to the reports in a social media post on Monday, stating that Caine believes a war with Iran, which the president has threatened with a military attack if it does not accept a series of demands, could be “easily won

list of 3 items

• list 1 of 3US orders non-emergency personnel to leave Beirut embassy amid tensions

• list 2 of 3Iran says ready for talks but will defend itself against US aggression

• list 3 of 3Iranian students rally as universities reopen after nationwide protests

end of list

The Washington Post newspaper reported earlier in the day that Caine had told Trump during a meeting last week that a lack of critical munitions and support from regional allies could hinder US efforts to contain a possible Iranian retaliation in the event of an attack by the US.

US munitions stockpiles, including those used in missile defence systems, have been stretched thin by their use in support of allies such as Israel and Ukraine, according to the report.

“Caine also has raised concerns about the scale of any Iran campaign, its inherent complexity and the possibility of US casualties,” the newspaper reported, citing a person familiar with “internal discussions” on the matter.

Caine’s office responded to The Washington Post article by stating that he is tasked with providing “a range of military options, as well as secondary considerations and associated impacts and risks, to the civilian leaders who make America’s security decisions”.