The The New York Times reported that the US war against Iran has significantly drained large portions of the US military’s munitions reserves, forcing the Pentagon to redeploy military equipment from Asia and Europe to the Middle East.
According to defence officials cited by the newspaper, US forces expended approximately $5.6 billion worth of munitions in just the first two days of the war, which began on 28 February. Estimates attributed to the Pentagon and members of Congress indicate that more than 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles were used during the conflict, with each missile costing over $4 million.
The report added that the Pentagon also deployed more than 1,000 precision strike missiles, including ground launched ATACMS systems, leaving stockpiles at what it described as “alarmingly low levels”.
Official Denial Versus Escalating Evidence
In contrast, a White House spokesperson dismissed these claims, stating that such reports are entirely inaccurate and that the US military possesses more than sufficient weapons and ammunition.
However, multiple American media outlets and established think tanks point to what they describe as “accelerated depletion” of US munitions during the military operation referred to as “Epic Rage” against Iran.
The specialised defence publication Air & Space Forces Magazine reported that estimates suggest an unprecedented and excessive use of interceptor missiles and precision guided munitions. It confirmed that the Pentagon has already reallocated military resources from operational theatres in Asia and Europe to the Middle East to meet rising demand.
The publication further noted that the Pentagon may seek additional funding from Congress through a supplemental spending request to replenish weapons and munitions, although no formal decision has yet been made.
Scale of Military Engagement and Strategic Impact
According to Dan Caine, US forces struck more than 13,000 targets inside Iran and intercepted over 1,700 Iranian ballistic missiles and one way attack drones.
This level of engagement has consumed a substantial portion of the United States’ critical munitions reserves, based on analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The centre estimates that the US used around 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles, compared to a pre war stockpile of approximately 3,100. It also reports the use of more than 1,000 JASSM missiles, against a pre war inventory of roughly 4,400.
Additionally, the US is estimated to have used over 1,000 Patriot interceptor missiles and hundreds of THAAD system interceptors in efforts to counter Iranian strikes targeting US bases and allied countries across the region.
