More than five months into the conflict between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump has emphasized the strength of the American arsenal. Concerns have emerged among officials and analysts about the potential shortages of effective weaponry that may impact the US’s ability to counter threats from Russia and China.
Trump asserted on social media that the US has “massive amounts” of munitions, especially specific types. This statement responded to reports that the US had depleted its stock of particular weapons used in operations against Iran and for protecting allies in the Middle East. Reports suggested that Trump canceled a two-week strike on Iran in July partly due to worries about munitions supplies.
The Washington Post reported Trump’s conversation with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump questioned why he received incorrect information about munitions shortages that could restrict his actions against Iran. He expressed surprise, thinking the stockpiles issue was resolved. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied the meeting took place, reaffirming confidence in Hegseth’s performance.
Efforts to negotiate peace between the US and Iran have failed. Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade route, while the US has issued threats but refrained from action. Although Iran denied negotiations were underway, questions linger on how long the US can persist in military actions before depleting its key weapons.
White House principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly stated the US possesses sufficient munitions, ammo, and stockpiles, urging defense companies to continue production of American-made weapons.
Beyond the Middle East, Ukraine, heavily reliant on US air defense missiles, faces challenges against Russian missile attacks. Observers warn that the US could be unprepared if China threatens Taiwan soon. A Heritage Foundation report described US air defense missile supplies as “inadequate” for a conflict with China.
Which Weapons Are Running Low?
Exact stockpile levels remain classified, but reports suggest shortages in five types of missiles due to US strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on US bases and allies.
Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs)
The US Army has nearly exhausted its supply of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs). These ground-launched ballistic missiles enable precise targeting from hundreds of kilometers away, minimizing the need for aircraft in assaults.
The PrSM, succeeding ATACMS, debuted in combat during the Iran conflict. They boast a range of over 499 kilometers, with variants in development capable of reaching over 1,000 kilometers.
Tomahawk Missiles
The US has depleted almost half its Tomahawk missile inventory since February. More than 1,000 Tomahawks were fired between the start of hostilities and late April, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Tomahawks, cruise missiles launched from ships such as destroyers, have been part of US Navy operations since the 1980s.
Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Systems
Air defense systems are under strain due to the war. These systems intercept incoming threats like missiles, drones, or aircraft. The Patriot system, used successfully in Ukraine against Russian hypersonic missiles, and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system are key defenses against Iranian missiles.
Before the conflict, the US had approximately 2,330 Patriot interceptors and 452 THAAD missiles. By late July, these figures had dropped to as low as 759 and 234, respectively, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
CNN reported that nearly 80 percent of the pre-war THAAD inventory and half of the Patriot interceptors have been used.
Contact the Newsweek editors for further information: Tobias Meyjes and Sam Wilson.