The Pentagon is pushing back against a report that military leaders are warning that a sustained, large-scale military operation against Iran is unsustainable and risks America’s ability to confront threats across the globe and at home.
The Washington Post reported Sunday that several military leaders — including the Navy’s top admiral and the commanders overseeing Europe, Asia and Latin America — warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth they don’t agree with keeping forces deployed to the Middle East through September and possibly into 2027. The chiefs of the Army and Air Force agreed with extending their forces but said doing so comes with significant risk.
The commanders raised concerns about ships, aircraft and munitions being redirected to support the Iran operation, saying that is limiting missions and training elsewhere. The operation, which just passed the six-month mark, is straining maintenance and readiness, while the war has drained key munitions, according to outside experts