Summary
A senior U.S. military commander reportedly warned the Pentagon that naval resources are running low.
He said a shortage of destroyers could force the U.S. to prioritise homeland defence over protecting Israel.
The warning comes as the prolonged conflict with Iran places growing pressure on American military resources.
The commander of U.S. forces in Europe has reportedly warned the Pentagon that the United States may soon be unable to continue defending Israel from ballistic missile attacks unless additional naval forces are deployed. Read original
According to U.S. officials, General Alexus Grynkewich, head of the U.S. European Command, sent a written notification to senior Pentagon leaders stating that the current shortage of Navy destroyers could force him to prioritise the defence of the United States over Israel if no reinforcements are provided.
"Without another Navy destroyer, I will be forced to choose defence of the United States homeland over that of Israel," Grynkewich reportedly warned.
A U.S. defence official said the message reflects a routine process in which senior military commanders alert the Pentagon when operational risks increase or available resources become insufficient to meet multiple security demands.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the reported communication, while U.S. European Command also did not issue a response. Israeli officials had not commented at the time of reporting.
The warning comes as hostilities between Iran and Israel continue following the collapse of diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. The prolonged conflict has placed heavy demands on U.S. military resources, particularly missile defence systems and naval assets.
American Navy destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean have played a key role in intercepting ballistic missiles targeting Israel. The vessels have also been used to defend against missile attacks launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi fighters.
At the same time, U.S. European Command must remain prepared for potential security threats from Russia while supporting NATO operations across Europe.
Officials said the U.S. Navy's fleet has also been stretched by operations linked to the Trump administration's blockade of Iranian ports after Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil and other commodities.
Maintenance challenges affecting several destroyers have reportedly reduced the number of warships immediately available for deployment, increasing pressure on military commanders.
According to U.S. officials, two destroyers—the USS Paul Ignatius and the USS Roosevelt—were operating in the Mediterranean, while three others remained stationed at the U.S. naval base in Rota, Spain. Additional aircraft carriers and destroyers were also deployed in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea as part of wider military operations in the region.
The naval forces have supported missions aimed at protecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and countering threats from Houthi militants targeting vessels in the Red Sea.
The ongoing conflict has also become a growing political issue in the United States, with lawmakers from both major parties expressing concern over the duration of the war and its economic impact.
Analysts warn that the continued deployment of military assets is placing increasing strain on America's defence readiness.
"Being on a wartime footing is going to take a toll in terms of readiness and munitions inventory levels. Now the question is: What's the strategy here?" said Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The reported warning highlights the mounting pressure on the U.S. military as it seeks to balance commitments in the Middle East, Europe and other regions while maintaining sufficient resources for homeland defence.
