US generals warn Hegseth against prolonged war with Iran — WP
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (photo: Getty Images)
Top US generals and admirals warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that a prolonged war with Iran is unacceptable. The large-scale operation in the Middle East is undermining the US military's readiness, according to The Washington Post.
Why disputes arose at Pentagon
The outlet says warnings from the Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs, as well as four-star commanders, were laid out in a classified August 14 report known as the Secretary of Defense Orders Book (SDOB).
The document assesses the Pentagon's available forces and capabilities worldwide.
The commanders of US European Command, Indo-Pacific Command and Southern Command expressed disagreement with the order to expand forces in the Middle East.
They emphasized that transferring ships, aircraft and intelligence systems is draining their own reserves and hampering their ability to carry out missions to defend the United States.
"The ongoing Iran operation, having reached the six-month mark, has been too much for too long," a source familiar with the matter told the outlet on condition of anonymity.
Navy and air defenses take biggest hit
The situation is most critical for the US Navy, which is enforcing the blockade of Iranian ports and protecting shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key problems highlighted by the generals include:
- Navy crisis: Fewer than 25% of the destroyer fleet remains ready for deployment
- Missile shortages: Prolonged fighting has depleted stocks of interceptors for Patriot and THAAD systems, as well as Tomahawk cruise missiles
- Drone losses: The Pentagon has already lost about 25% of its Reaper drone fleet
- Extended deployments: Some units' deployments, including the 82nd Airborne Division, could last up to a year, while some Air Force forces could remain deployed through 2027.
As US arsenals are depleted, allies in the Indo-Pacific region are already warning that this leaves them vulnerable to potential Chinese actions.
Defense Secretary spokesperson Sean Parnell said the Pentagon does not comment on internal operational discussions or risk assessments.
Hegseth's support, preparation for election
As previously reported, it recently emerged that Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth had discussed the possibility of running for president of the United States in 2028.
The defense secretary's entry into the race could create additional competition for leadership within the MAGA movement.
At the same time, current US President Donald Trump is already choosing a successor and is actively consulting with his advisers about potential candidates being prepared for the 2028 presidential election.
