U.S. Burns Through Thousands of Missiles in Iran War as Europe and Asia Stocks Thin
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 8
U.S. Burns Through Thousands of Missiles in Iran War as Europe and Asia Stocks Thin
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 8
Summary
Thousands of multimillion-dollar missiles used in strikes on Iran and against retaliatory barrages have driven U.S. weapons stockpiles to troubling levels, privately alarming senior Trump administration officials.
The drawdown has siphoned air-defense missiles and other critical munitions from Europe and Asia, forcing Washington to delay some deliveries to customers in both regions.
The Pentagon has also rushed ships, aircraft and air-defense units from Europe and Asia to the Middle East, eroding U.S. firepower there and straining maintenance and troop morale.
Officials and experts warn the shortages could embolden Russia or China in a crisis because many precision weapons rely on hard-to-source parts and can take years to replace.
Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. still has enough firepower for any operation, but experts say the munitions crunch—already severe after six months of war—will likely outlast Trump's presidency.