the empire ain't what it used to be, and won't do well in the future it seems; 

 

U.S. Naval Operations Chief Admiral Daryl Caudle has warned that the Fiscal Year 2026 budget did not account for the war against Iran, and that the Navy as a result has been forced to make extreme cuts to accommodate the costs of the conflict. “We’re burning bright … but it does come at cost, and it comes at operational costs,” he stated, adding that the Navy is rapidly depleting its fuel, maintenance funds munitions, and remaining operating hours. As a result, he warned, the service may have to cut training, routine operations and personnel by July unless Congress provides greater funding. The U.S. initiated hostilities with Iran on February 28, with the two sides engaging in a high intensity conflict for 39 days. Hostilities have continued at much lower levels since April 8.

The strain caused by continued operations around Iran could soon affect personnel, with Admiral Caudle warning that the Navy may have to pause permanent change-of-station moves for 12,000 to 15,000 sailors and delay enlistment and reenlistment bonuses. The U.S.-Iranian war has caused considerable and growing controversies in the United States, with a growing number of reports having strengthened the consensus that Iran appears much better able to sustain hostilities over the longer term.U.S. intelligence sources speaking to The New York Times recent confirmed that Iran has retained approximately 70 percent of its missile arsenal, and has successfully restored operational access to 30 out of 33 missile facilities along the Strait of Hormuz, or 91 percent, and approximately 90 percent of underground storage facilities and launch pads...........more...........