US Military Leaders Warn Pete Hegseth: Iran Operations are Unsustainable
A number of United States military leaders have issued a stern warning to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that extending large-scale operations against Iran is no longer sustainable. According to the latest assessment prepared for the Pentagon chief, such a move risks undermining US capabilities to face threats in other regions, including domestic security.
The warning was detailed by the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as four-star commanders overseeing US operations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The report emerged in the 14 August edition of the Secretary of Defense Orders Book (SDOB), a classified document outlining the availability of US warships, aircraft, personnel, and weapon systems worldwide.
Amidst President Donald Trump’s pressure on Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (Centcom) has deployed over 50,000 troops for several months. However, instructions in the 14 August orders book, which extend troop deployments through September and even up to 2027, have triggered resistance from military leaders.
Commanders from European Command (Eucom), Pacific Command (Pacom), and Southern Command (Southcom), along with the Navy’s highest admiral, expressed disagreement with the extension orders. While they will continue to execute the orders, they emphasised that the withdrawal of assets such as ships and aircraft to support the Iran conflict has limited mission capabilities and training in their respective regions.
A source familiar with the assessment stated that the six-month Iran operation is considered too heavy and too long for overall military readiness.
Admiral Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, provided the bleakest outlook. He stated that the Navy cannot maintain the current level of support because there is no clear end date to the conflict. Currently, it is reported that only a quarter of the Navy’s destroyer fleet is ready for deployment, a sharp decline from pre-war levels.
On the Army side, elements of the 82nd Airborne Division mobilised since March will face extended duties for up to one year. Additionally, units operating Patriot air defence systems are also expected to have their deployment periods extended.
High-ranking officials in Eucom and Southcom warned that the lending of ships and reconnaissance aircraft to Centcom has degraded their ability to meet homeland defence obligations. In the Pacific, key US allies are beginning to worry that the depletion of missile stocks and air defence interceptors leaves them vulnerable to China.
Hegseth’s spokesperson, Sean Parnell, stated that decisions regarding the duration of troop commitments are made based on current threat assessments and the president’s strategic priorities. However, the Pentagon declined to discuss internal operational processes or specific risk assessments provided by combat commanders.
This warning reflects a major dilemma for the Trump administration, which is attempting to end the conflict on terms favourable to the US, while Tehran remains unwilling to surrender amidst the increasing burden on American arsenals.