A senior U.S.official revealed that President Donald Trump's escalating military campaign against Iran is achieving the opposite of its intended effect, keeping Iran cohesive and allowing leaders to focus on external threats.

This assessment emerged after leaked details of a secret meeting between Trump and his top advisers, where officials debated whether to intensify the bombing campaign.

Few in Trump's inner circle believed escalating the war was wise, with concerns over the Pentagon's dwindling inventory of Patriot interceptors and other air defenses.

General Dan Caine warned that resuming major combat operations would dangerously deplete interceptors critical for Central Command operations in the Middle East.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously cited the war's $37.5 billion cost to taxpayers, adding to growing doubts about the administration's approach.

The internal skepticism underscores the lack of progress despite rising financial and human costs, raising questions about the effectiveness of Trump's strategy and its impact on U.S.military resources.