Iran War Drains US Long-Range Missile Stockpiles

During the five-month war with Iran, the United States used a large portion of its stockpile of high-precision, long-range missiles. Three sources familiar with the inventory data told Reuters.

According to two of the sources, the US military used virtually all of its Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). One source also said the United States had used just under half of its global stockpile of Tomahawk cruise missiles, although Reuters was unable to independently verify that figure.

The sources said the dwindling stockpiles are raising concerns about the US military's readiness for future conflicts and could limit its ability to deter adversaries such as Russia and China. Donald Trump launched military operations against Iran alongside Israel in February, expecting the conflict to be brief, but the fighting has continued for five months.

The White House responded with a statement from President Trump, who said the United States has more ammunition than any other country and that the defense industry is producing weapons at a record pace. Analysts acknowledge that production is increasing but warn it may not be sufficient if the conflict continues or another major war breaks out.

According to estimates by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the United States used about 65% of its Patriot interceptor missiles between February and July, while THAAD interceptor stockpiles declined by at least 38%. Two Reuters sources said those estimates broadly correspond to internal US government data.

(Reuters, bak)