The US military's capabilities have significantly declined from the first Iraq War in 1990 to the projected Iran War in 2026.

The claim that U.S. military capabilities have significantly declined from the 1990 Gulf War to a projected conflict with Iran in 2026 is nuanced and cannot be fully affirmed or denied based on the available sources. While none of the provided sources are from highly trusted or peer-reviewed outlets, several hint at challenges facing U.S. military power, including difficulties in translating increased defense spending into enhanced capabilities and concerns about emerging global threats. However, there is no clear consensus or direct evidence that the U.S. military’s overall capabilities have "significantly declined" compared to 1990. Instead, the military has evolved with new technologies and strategic priorities, facing both strengths and limitations. The sources also emphasize ongoing U.S. military operations and partnerships, suggesting maintained operational capacity. Thus, the claim contains elements of truth regarding challenges and shifts but overstates a definitive and broad decline.