Former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) counterterrorism officer John Kiriakou has alleged that former U.S. President Donald Trump contemplated a nuclear strike against Iran during his tenure. Kiriakou claimed this proposal was ultimately rejected by military officials, specifically identifying one as "General Dan Caine." The allegations were made by Kiriakou during a recent podcast interview.

According to Kiriakou's statements, former President Trump considered the option of using nuclear force against Iran on multiple occasions. Kiriakou asserted that each time, these plans were reportedly "shot down" by military leadership. He specifically highlighted General Dan Caine as a key figure in preventing such an action, stating that Caine informed the President that a nuclear strike was "not going to happen." Kiriakou did not specify the exact dates or circumstances surrounding these alleged discussions.

John Kiriakou previously served as a CIA counterterrorism officer and was the first U.S. government official to publicly confirm the use of waterboarding on al-Qaeda prisoners. In 2012, he was indicted on charges of violating the Intelligence Identities Protection Act and for disclosing classified information. He later pleaded guilty to one count of disclosing classified information to a journalist and served a prison sentence. His claims regarding the Trump administration's deliberations have not been independently verified.

The allegation brings significant attention to the decision-making processes within the highest levels of the U.S. government concerning potential military action and the use of nuclear weapons. Such claims, if substantiated, would underscore the gravity of national security discussions and the role of military and intelligence advisors in presidential administrations. The relationship between the U.S. and Iran was notably tense during the Trump presidency, marked by events such as the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.

As of the publication of these claims, there has been no official comment or response from former President Donald Trump or his representatives regarding Kiriakou's specific allegations. Similarly, no independent confirmation or denial has been issued by other former Trump administration officials or military personnel. Kiriakou's statements remain unverified claims from a former intelligence official.