Foreign Relations

U.S. Military Leaders Warn Iran Operations Are Straining Global Readiness

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Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looking to the side in the foreground, with a large blurred television image of him behind, drawn in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel with cross-hatching on sepia newsprint.

Senior U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force leaders and four-star commanders overseeing Europe, Asia and Latin America warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that sustained large-scale operations against Iran could weaken readiness elsewhere, including U.S. homeland defense. Their objections were recorded in the classified August 14 Secretary of Defense Orders Book, assessing ships, aircraft, personnel and weapons worldwide. More than 50,000 troops remain positioned for possible renewed strikes, while some deployments run into 2027. The Pentagon said force size and duration reflect threats, presidential priorities and military advice, and declined to discuss internal operational deliberations.

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