Pentagon Warns Pentagon Chiefs: Iran War Unsustainable, Threatens U.S. Readiness

Pentagon commanders warn U.S. Iran war straining military readiness

WASHINGTON—Top U.S. military leaders have privately warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that the ongoing conflict with Iran has become unsustainable, according to a classified assessment reported by The Washington Post. The concerns, outlined in the twice-monthly Secretary of Defense Orders Book, come as President Donald Trump maintains an open-ended military posture toward Tehran.

The classified assessment, prepared by the heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force and regional commanders spanning three continents, raises alarms about prolonged troop deployments and restricted operational flexibility. The document includes formal “non-concur” positions from senior leaders, signaling broad disagreement with current war strategy. According to the report, Central Command has maintained over 50,000 troops at high alert for months, awaiting possible presidential orders for further strikes or defensive actions.

The sustained readiness level has significantly impacted Navy readiness, with only about 25 percent of destroyers currently deployable—a sharp drop from pre-conflict levels. The chief of naval operations highlighted this strain in the classified assessment, warning of long-term risks to fleet preparedness. Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on internal deliberations.

The conflict began nearly a year ago after attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Since then, the administration has shifted repeatedly between military escalation and diplomatic overtures, including the recent “Operation Economic Outcast,” a sanctions campaign launched after six months of airstrikes failed to force Tehran to reopen the strategic waterway. Defense Secretary Hegseth testified to Congress in July that the war has cost $37.5 billion to date, though no clear end date has been established.

Critics argue the prolonged conflict has diverted resources from other global hotspots and domestic defense priorities. Military analysts note that sustained high alert levels strain personnel, equipment and budgets, increasing risks of fatigue and equipment failure. While the administration continues to frame the campaign as necessary for regional stability, internal dissent suggests growing unease within the Pentagon about the war’s long-term sustainability.

The Washington Post report comes amid shifting public messaging, with daily statements from the White House and Pentagon oscillating between demands for Iranian concessions and calls for negotiated settlements. No timeline for de-escalation has been announced.

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