The truth is out. Hegseth has seriously messed up the war in Iran.
Military Leaders Warn Hegseth
“A recent classified assessment advised that prolonged large-scale operations in the Middle East risk weakening U.S. capabilities elsewhere.”
The Washington Post reports Military leaders warn Hegseth against extending Iran war operations
Several U.S. military leaders have advised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that prolonging large-scale operations against Iran is unsustainable and risks weakening their ability to confront threats elsewhere, including the U.S. homeland, according to people familiar with a recent assessment prepared for the Pentagon chief.
The warnings — detailed for Hegseth by the heads of the Army, Navy and Air Force and the four-star commanders overseeing U.S. operations throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America — appear in the Aug. 14 edition of the Secretary of Defense Orders Book (SDOB), these people said. They described the assessment to The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity because the document is classified.
The Aug. 14 orders book directs some troops deployed in the Middle East to remain there through September and some others into 2027, said those familiar with the document. The prospect of extending those forces further compelled military leaders to voice their concern, these people said.
Leaders of the U.S. European Command, the U.S. Pacific Command and the U.S. Southern Command, along with the Navy’s top admiral, responded with what is characterized in the SDOB as a “non-concur,” those familiar with the assessment said — meaning they disagree with the secretary’s order to extend their forces but will execute it nevertheless.
Overall, the tenor from the military leadership is that the ongoing Iran operation, having reached the six-month mark, has been “too much for too long,” said one person familiar with the assessment.
It’s common for commanders to discuss risk, said the one person familiar with the recent assessment. But the outlook now is “more dire” overall, this person explained, adding thatcertain generals and admirals were more expansive and frank than is usual in telling Hegseth they disagreed with orders to keep providing equipment and personnel when the operation’s trajectory remains uncertain.
Adm. Samuel Paparo, the chief of Pacific Command, disagreed with the level of support he was ordered to continually provide, including an aircraft carrier strike group and naval destroyers, those familiar with the assessment said.
Adm. Daryl Caudle, the chief of Naval Operations, provided Hegseth with the dimmest picture, saying in the SDOB that the Navy cannot sustain its current level ofsupport for the Iran conflict because there is no anticipated end date, those familiar with the assessment said.
The Navy has shouldered an extraordinary burden. It has been asked to supply dozens of vessels for the Iran campaign — first to take part in the U.S. assault and defend against Iranian counterattacks and, for several months since, to enforce Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports as he attempts to force-open the Strait of Hormuz. Deployments for some vessels and crews have been extended by months.
Caudle conveyed to Hegseth that barely one-fourth of the Navy’s destroyer fleet is ready to deploy, a sharp decline from prewar levels, said those familiar with the assessment.
“I typically am not a big fan of extensions, and I push back hard on that, but the enemy gets a vote,” Caudle said, according to a transcript of his remarks provided by the Navy.
Elements of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, which in March mobilized 2,000 soldiers in response to the Iran war, will see their deployment extended to a year, Maj. Gen. Brandon R. Tegtmeier, the division commander, said in a letter dated Sunday.
The letter to the division community, reviewed by The Post, acknowledges the difficulty of the unknowns throughout the mobilization and that leaders “understand that a longer tour weighs heavily on every household, including our own.”
The depletion of Patriot interceptors — as a result of the Iran war and previous donations to Ukraine — has limited the Trump administration’s ability to reescalate the war, as Tehran retains the ability to successfully target U.S. facilities throughout the Middle East.
As The Post and others have reported previously, the Iran war also has drained U.S. supplies of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptors — vital not only to the protection of American assets in the Middle East but to regional allies as well — and long-range Tomahawk missiles. About 25 percent of the Pentagon’s Reaper drone fleet has been lost, and U.S. bases there have sustained billions of dollars in damage.
More recently, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the head of European Command, privately warned the Pentagon that he lacked adequate naval forces to shield Israel and the U.S. homeland from missile attacks, as The Post reported this month.
In the Pacific, key U.S. allies have raised alarm that the Pentagon’s depletion of missiles and air defense interceptors leave them vulnerable to China. The Navy’s only dedicated aircraft carrier in the Pacific, a linchpin of the military’s plan to deter Beijing, was sent to the Middle East to relieve another carrier that has been deployed for more than 300 days.
Why This Happened
- Trump nominated Pete Hegseth, an incompetent buffoon, because he will tell Trump what he wants to hear, and is not afraid to issue illegal orders.
- Trump had an opportunity before the war to prevent it. Instead, Trump listened to fools who said the US could win the war in days, among them Hegseth and Netanyahu.
- Trump had an opportunity to cut losses with the MOU and walk away but once again listened to Hegseth and Netanyahu.
The Strait is Closed
We are now in a stalemate with the US blocking Iranian ships and Iran blocking all other ships.
Idiotically, Trump insists the strait is open. He insists the US has plenty of ammo, but the classified leaks prove he doesn’t.
Realistically, one does not need leaks for proof. That Trump has backed off every military threat provides all the evidence one needs.
Trump has declared the war was won over forty times, but here we are out of ammo and defense missiles to escalate,
Say Good Riddance to Hegseth
According to data analyzed by CNN in August 2026, Hegseth maintains a -22 net approval rating.
Analysts note he ranks as the least popular official within the Cabinet, which historically increases the political risk of retaining an official if controversies mount.
I look forward to the midterms.
Soon after, I propose Hegseth will be impeached on war crimes, resign, or be forced out by Trump.
Trump will look to blame somebody for this fiasco instead of who is really to blame, that being himself.
Republican Bloodbath Coming
The war is unpopular, tariffs are unpopular, and Trump is even losing on deportations once again because of the renewed brutal tactics.
Republicans are not motivated to vote, and Trump has lost the Hispanic vote, the youth vote, and even some of the farm vote.
It’s about 90 percent likely Democrats take the House and I believe it’s about 60 percent likely they take the Senate too.
The longer the war goes on and the higher diesel prices get, the more likely it is that Democrats not just win the Senate but take five or six seats instead of the needed four.
Related Posts
August 28, 2026: CEOs Now Fear a Blue Wave, Start Big Donations to Democrats Too
Tech firms court Democrats and prepare for investigations if Republicans lose control of the House.
August 29, 2026: Will Congress Pass Another Reconciliation Bill This Year?
If not, aid to farmers, more military spending, and the SAVE act are all unlikely.
August 30, 2026: Oil and Bond Yields Higher Following First US Attack on Iran in Weeks
U.S. Strikes Two Iranian Rocket Launchers in First Attack in Weeks
August 31, 2026: Political Realities May Force the Fed to Hike in September
It will be a stretch for the Fed to pause for many reasons, not just the CPI.
Nothing is looking good for Republicans in November anywhere.
Article posted with permission from Mish Shedlock
