WASHINGTON: Senior US military leaders have warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that extending the ongoing large-scale military operation against Iran could undermine the overall combat readiness and capabilities of the US Armed Forces.
According to The Washington Post, the warning was contained in a classified report. Sources familiar with the document said senior Army, Navy and Air Force officials, along with four-star commanders overseeing US military operations in different regions, had raised concerns about extending the deployment of American forces in the Middle East.
The concerns were also reflected in the classified Secretary of Defense Orders Book issued on August 14. The document contains important information regarding the availability and deployment of US military personnel, warships, aircraft and other military assets.
US Forces Face Prolonged Middle East Deployment
According to the report, some US personnel deployed in the Middle East have been instructed to remain in the region until September, while others could remain there until 2027.
Military commanders have reportedly warned that prolonged deployments could affect routine US military operations and defence preparedness in other parts of the world.
The commanders of US European Command, US Indo-Pacific Command and US Southern Command, along with a senior Navy admiral, reportedly expressed technical disagreement with extending the deployments.
However, under the US military command structure, they remain obligated to follow orders issued by the secretary of defence.
War Places Pressure on US Military Resources
Regional commanders have also pointed out that war requirements have resulted in warships, aircraft and other military resources being moved from different theatres to the Middle East.
The redeployment has reduced the military’s ability to conduct routine missions, training exercises and other defence commitments in other regions.
The US Navy is considered particularly vulnerable to the strain created by prolonged deployments. Extended combat operations can increase pressure on service members while also requiring additional time for maintenance, repairs and the restoration of ships, aircraft and other military equipment.
Long War Creates Strategic Challenges
According to The Washington Post, Army and Air Force leaders agreed in principle to extending deployments but also warned that keeping forces committed to a single conflict for an extended period could create serious risks for overall US military readiness.
The concerns come as the Iran conflict approaches its six-month mark, turning into a prolonged and resource-intensive military confrontation.
The situation could present a significant challenge for the administration of President Donald Trump as Washington seeks to end the conflict on terms favourable to the United States.
Meanwhile, Iran is also closely monitoring the pressure on US forces, public sentiment and the impact of the prolonged conflict on American military resources and weapons stocks.
