Senior U.S. military leaders have told Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that large-scale operations against Iran would stretch forces too thin, undermining readiness for other threats including domestic security.
The warning comes from a recent Pentagon assessment reviewed by the secretary, according to sources familiar with the briefing. Military chiefs argue that sustained engagement in Iran could divert critical resources and attention from broader defense priorities.
The assessment highlights concerns that prolonged operations risk eroding the U.S. military’s ability to respond to simultaneous challenges, including regional conflicts and homeland security threats. Hegseth has not publicly detailed his response to the recommendations.
