# Military leaders warn Hegseth against extending Iran war operations **By:** Alex Horton, Tara Copp **Published:** 2026-08-30T10:00:01.000Z **Source:** [The Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/08/30/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. --- What readers are saying The comments express strong criticism of the Trump administration, particularly focusing on Pete Hegseth's role as Secretary of Defense. Commenters describe Hegseth as unqualified and incompetent, attributing significant national security risks and military failures to his... Show more This summary is AI-generated. AI can make mistakes and this summary is not a replacement for reading the comments.Joanna Slater Bye, America: Trump’s rhetoric pushes some Canadians to shun the U.S.Earlier today Meryl Kornfield He was cleaning his garage. Then he found a file marked ‘SECRET.’ September 12, 2026 Patrick Marley and Laura Meckler Earlier today Teo Armus and Michelle Gustafson Earlier today Dan Simmons Wasps are chasing Midwesterners indoors. What’s behind the surge?Earlier today Column Carolyn Hax Earlier today