US European Command chief General Alexus Grynkewich has warned that the US Navy may be unable to defend Israel from a potential Iranian missile attack without additional weapons and military equipment. According to a Washington Post report cited by the source, continuing conflict with Iran has left US naval supplies insufficient for operational needs and could also constrain Washington’s ability to protect its interests across the Middle East.

The report said Grynkewich privately told senior Pentagon officials this week that, unless another US Navy destroyer is deployed to the region, Washington may have to choose between defending Israel and prioritizing security of the US homeland. Rising tensions and conflict between the United States and Iran have placed significant pressure on US military capacity, increasing concern within the Pentagon over sustaining security commitments on multiple fronts with limited assets.

Israeli media have reported heightened security alert levels over fears Iran could launch ballistic missile attacks even if Tel Aviv does not directly join a broader US military operation. The United States has deployed additional naval and air forces to the Middle East while seeking to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea and coordinate with allied countries.