WASHINGTON (special crosspondent) – The commander of the United States European Command (EUCOM), General Alexus Grynkewich, has warned the Pentagon that the U.S. Navy no longer has sufficient destroyers to sustain the ongoing operation to defend Israel against Iranian ballistic missile attacks, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The report, citing U.S. officials, said General Grynkewich informed senior Pentagon leadership in writing that unless additional naval destroyers are deployed, the U.S. military may be forced to prioritize the defense of the American homeland over the defense of Israel. This critical situation reflects growing geopolitical instability in the Middle East.

The warning comes at a time when tensions between Iran and Israel remain high following the collapse of diplomatic efforts, with renewed exchanges of attacks placing increasing pressure on U.S. military resources and missile defense capabilities. As diplomatic initiatives struggle, the strategic reliance on U.S. naval assets has become a point of contention among defense planners.

According to The Washington Post, the United States currently has two Navy destroyers deployed in the Mediterranean Sea, while three more are stationed at the Rota Naval Base in Spain. In addition, at least 15 other U.S. warships, including two aircraft carriers, are deployed in the Arabian Sea and surrounding waters. The report noted that the intensity of ongoing operations has increased maintenance and readiness challenges for the fleet.

Defense Resource Constraints

Defense analysts say the U.S. military has borne much of the burden of defending Israel against Iranian ballistic missile threats, resulting in the rapid consumption of missile interceptors and other critical military resources. Earlier Pentagon assessments conducted in May also indicated that U.S. missile defense systems had been used more extensively than Israel’s own systems during the conflict. The increasing frequency of such engagements, mirroring concerns seen in other global theaters like those impacting European security borders, continues to test the limits of US logistical endurance.

The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon declined to comment on the matter, while U.S. European Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Israeli Embassy in Washington also did not provide an immediate response.