U.S. Commander Warns of Growing Shortage in Missile Defense Capacity Against Iran
The commander of U.S. forces in Europe has reportedly warned the Pentagon that the U.S. Navy may not have sufficient air and missile defense resources to continue protecting Israel against potential large-scale Iranian ballistic missile attacks without affecting America’s own defense priorities.
According to The Washington Post, General Alexus Grynkewich, Commander of U.S. European Command (EUCOM), told senior Pentagon officials that unless additional guided-missile destroyers are deployed, the military could soon face two difficult choices:
Prioritize the defense of the United States and its global military commitments.
Continue dedicating naval assets to defend Israel from Iranian ballistic missile attacks.
The report says maintaining both missions at the current level could become increasingly difficult without reinforcements, particularly if regional tensions escalate or prolonged missile exchanges occur
Since the October 7, 2023 attacks, the United States has significantly expanded its naval presence in the Middle East. U.S. warships equipped with advanced missile-defense systems have played a key role in intercepting missiles and drones launched by Iran and Yemen’s Houthi movement in defense of Israel and regional U.S. interests.
The reported warning underscores growing concerns within the U.S. military about sustaining long-term missile defense operations while balancing global security obligations and finite naval resources. The Pentagon has not publicly commented on the reported internal assessment.