US-Iran War Stretching America's Military Thin?
General warns of growing military strainThe reported warning highlights the pressure that months of conflict with Iran have placed on US military resources.
The newspaper withheld specific details about the availability of the ships at the request of military officials, citing security concerns.
With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read MoreLocation : IranFirst Published: August 01, 2026, 19:13 ISTNews world US-Iran War Stretching America's Military Thin?
Top General Warns Israel's Defence Is At RiskDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.
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.
The warships, equipped with advanced radar systems and missile interceptors, have intercepted missiles launched not only by Iran but also by Tehran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen.
US European Command coordinates these operations in the Mediterranean while also maintaining readiness against any potential Russian military action involving NATO territory. Russia also possesses ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland.
Destroyer fleet under pressure
Pentagon officials have previously said the Navy has five destroyers based at Rota in Spain, with a sixth expected to arrive later this year.
However, officials told that maintenance demands have increased because of the pace of operations during the Iran conflict. The newspaper withheld specific details about the availability of the ships at the request of military officials, citing security concerns.
Earlier Pentagon assessments reports found that US forces had carried much of the burden of defending Israel against Iranian ballistic missiles. The assessments said American systems, including the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and naval interceptors launched from the eastern Mediterranean, were used more frequently than Israeli air defence weapons.
According to a US official, two destroyers – USS Paul Ignatius and USS Roosevelt – were operating in the Mediterranean on Friday, while USS Arleigh Burke, USS Bulkeley and USS Oscar Austin were stationed at Rota in Spain.
News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit
About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More
Location : Iran
First Published: August 01, 2026, 19:13 IST
News world US-Iran War Stretching America's Military Thin? Top General Warns Israel's Defence Is At Risk
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
