Iran-US war news: The Iran war has strained US military resources to a critical point where it may be become increasingly difficult for US military assets like air defenses and warships to defend Israel against future Iranian missile and drone attacks.
What did US General say about Israel's defence?
According to The Washington Post, General Alexis Grinkevich, the head of the US European Command, has privately warned the Pentagon that US naval resources are strained due to the war against Iran, and without additional support, it may be difficult for the US to continue defending Israel from Iranian ballistic missile attacks.
General Grinkevich told the Pentagon that the European Command requires another Navy destroyer to keep defending Israel against Iranian attacks, or his forces may soon have to prioritize protecting American soil over Israel's security.
How US Navy protects Israel?
For years, the US Navy destroyers deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean have played a vital role in Israel's security. These warships are equipped with advanced radar systems and missile interceptors, and are critical in intercepting missiles fired towards Israel by Iran and its proxies such as the Yemeni Houthi rebels.
According to a US official, two destroyers-the USS Paul Ignatius and USS Roosevelt-were in the Mediterranean on Friday, while the USS Arleigh Burke, USS Bulkley, and USS Oscar Austin are stationed in Spain.
ALSO WATCH:
How Israel's defense has strained US military assets?
A Pentagon assessment found that US forces bore a disproportionate burden in defending Israel against Iranian ballistic missiles, stating that US systems, including Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and naval interceptors launched from the Eastern Mediterranean, were used more heavily than Israeli air defense weapons, increasing the pressure on US military assets.
The US European commander's warning comes amid reports that the US is running critically low on Patriot missiles and air defense interceptors, while the US Navy's operations in the military campaign against Iran has put enormous pressure on its destroyer fleet.