Gen. Alexus Grynkewich warns U.S. will respond “robustly” to any assistance for Iran targeting American troops

Gen. Alexus Grynkewich addressed members of Congress on Thursday as tensions continue following Iranian counterstrikes against U.S. positions in the Middle East. Iran launched the attacks after the start of joint U.S.-Israeli military operations in Tehran, with seven American service members reported killed in the strikes on bases in Gulf states.

During the hearing, Grynkewich emphasized the importance of protecting U.S. forces from any external support provided to Iran. “Anytime anyone puts American service members in harm’s way in any manner whatsoever, I believe we should respond robustly,” Gen. Alexus Grynkewich told lawmakers on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The issue was raised by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who questioned the general about reports that Russia had provided intelligence enabling Iranian forces to target U.S. personnel. Grynkewich declined to confirm Russia’s involvement in open testimony, saying additional information could be provided during a classified briefing.

“Senator, I am confident that we are responding robustly to anyone who is assisting the Iranians with targeting U.S. forces,” Grynkewich told the senator. He also reiterated recent warnings issued by War Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding countries that might aid Iran.

“I would just echo what Secretary Hegseth has said recently that if Russia is doing this, it would be wise to reconsider providing any assistance to the Iranians during [Operation] Epic Fury,” Grynkewich said. The statement referred to the ongoing U.S. military campaign targeting Iranian capabilities.

Hegseth previously said the U.S. military would address threats as necessary during the operation. “Our commanders factor all of this, but the only ones that need to be worried right now are Iranians that think they’re going to live,” the secretary said in comments to CBS News.

Following a classified briefing with officials on Wednesday, Blumenthal expressed concern about the direction of U.S. strategy. The senator said the briefing left him uneasy about the possibility of deeper American involvement in the conflict.

Blumenthal told reporters he believes the administration may be moving toward a larger military commitment in Iran. He said he emerged from the closed-door session “as dissatisfied and angry, frankly, as I have from any past briefing in my 15 years in the Senate.”

War Secretary Hegseth has previously stated that the United States retains the option of deploying ground troops if necessary. He said he and President Donald Trump “reserve the right” to send American forces into Iran if circumstances require such action.

Source: The Hill.