US-Iran War Stretching America's Military Thin? Top General Warns Israel's Defence Is At Risk
US-Iran War Stretching America's Military Thin? Top General Warns Israel's Defence Is At Risk Published By, Last Updated: August 01, 2026, 19:26 IST US Navy
US-Iran War Stretching America's Military Thin? Top General Warns Israel's Defence Is At Risk Published By, Last Updated: August 01, 2026, 19:26 IST US Navy destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean have played a major role in defending Israel for years. USS Abraham Lincoln sailing in support of "Operation Epic Fury" on March 3, 2026. (AFP photo) The commander of the US military in Europe has privately warned the Pentagon that American naval resources are under growing strain and may not be enough to continue defending Israel against Iranian ballistic missile attacks without additional support, according to a report by The Washington Post. According to the report, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, who leads US European Command, told the Pentagon that he needs another Navy destroyer to maintain the mission. Otherwise, he may soon have to prioritise the defence of the US homeland over protecting Israel. General warns of growing military strain The reported warning highlights the pressure that months of conflict with Iran have placed on US military resources. According to The Washington Post, near-daily operations have stretched the US Navy’s destroyer fleet. Previous reports by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Reuters have also pointed to declining stocks of Patriot missiles and other air defence interceptors used to protect US forces and allies.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the reported correspondence. However, officials told the newspaper that such notifications are part of the military’s process for informing senior leaders when operational risks begin to exceed available resources. A US defence official said Grynkewich’s communication was consistent with previous cases in which senior commanders alerted Washington about risks while competing for limited military assets and weapons. The Pentagon again declined to comment. US European Command did not respond to requests for comment, while the Israeli Embassy in Washington could not immediately be reached. Iran war putting pressure on US Navy The warning comes as fighting between the United States and Iran continues into its fifth month following the collapse of ceasefire talks. According to the report, the conflict has significantly reduced US stocks of key defensive weapons. The Navy has also faced increasing pressure after the Trump administration ordered a blockade of Iranian ports following Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has affected the movement of Middle Eastern oil and other commodities through one of the world’s most important shipping routes. US warships central to Israel’s defence US Navy destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean have played a major role in defending Israel for years.
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