American forces patrolling in the Arabian Sea near the Touska, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, on April 20, 2026. Photo released by the press service of the US Navy's Central Command/via AFP
As tensions rise again in the Middle East following the collapse of negotiations between the United States and Iran, a senior U.S. military commander quietly warned the Pentagon this week that he lacks the naval assets needed to help protect Israel from missile attacks launched by Iran or its allies, The Washington Post reported Saturday.
According to the newspaper, citing anonymous sources, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command, informed senior Pentagon officials in writing that without an additional Navy destroyer, he would have to prioritize the defense of U.S. territory over that of Israel.
The Pentagon and U.S. European Command did not respond to the newspaper’s requests for comment. The Washington Post also said it was unable to reach the Israeli Embassy in Washington.
President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would launch new strikes on Iran. Israel could also join the new round of attacks, potentially exposing its territory once again to missile fire from Iran or Tehran-backed groups.
The war with Iran, which began on Feb. 28, has involved both the United States and Israel, although Israeli forces did not participate in the latest escalation. U.S. officials have previously raised concerns about dwindling stocks of munitions following sustained strikes on Iranian targets.
