Missile use in war against Iran
The U.S. military has almost used up its long-range precision missile stockpiles, including the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). Two sources said the military has used nearly all of its supplies, though exact numbers are not disclosed. These missiles are land-based systems designed for hitting targets accurately from long distances.
U.S. Central Command, which handles military operations in the Middle East, had almost run out of land-based missiles when the war started. It managed to restock by drawing from other U.S. military depots around the world. However, this heavy use has raised doubts about whether the U.S. can respond effectively to future conflicts.
Worries over readiness against China
The use of these missiles has sparked concerns about U.S. military readiness, especially regarding a potential conflict with China. The nation's advanced air-defense systems can make conventional air attacks difficult, making long-range missiles like ATACMS especially important.
As the war drags on, worries about readiness are growing. When the U.S. launched its campaign in February alongside Israel, President Donald Trump expected a short conflict. Now, officials are debating whether the U.S. can keep operating against Iran without running out of critical weapons.
One source noted that the high use of ATACMS and PrSM reflects the administration's preference for striking from a distance. This strategy avoids sending manned aircraft into highly defended areas. However, this heavy use also raises concerns about having enough supplies left for other operations.
Defensive systems also under strain
Along with offensive missile stocks, U.S. officials have raised concerns about defensive weapons. Military leaders warned that Patriot interceptor stocks are declining. Between February and July, about 65% of these interceptors were used, according to one report. However, Reuters could not verify this data independently.
A recent study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that THAAD ballistic-missile interceptors had dropped by at least 38%. While Reuters could not confirm these numbers, two sources said they matched internal U.S. military assessments. In addition, nearly half of the global U.S. Tomahawk cruise-missile stockpile has been used since the war began.
According to a July report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, before the war began, the U.S. had 2,330 Patriot interceptors, and by the end of July, this number had dropped to between 759 and 827. The report also estimated that pre-war THAAD interceptor levels were 452, which declined to between 234 and 278 by July 27. The same study projected it could take until at least mid-2029 to return to pre-war inventory levels for both systems. Despite these concerns, Trump has downplayed worries about U.S. military readiness. He claimed the country has more munitions than any other and that defense companies are producing weapons at record levels. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell supported these claims, saying the military is well-equipped to carry out its operations.
However, analysts warned that even high production rates might not be enough to refill stocks quickly in a long-lasting high-intensity conflict. Military planners have considered further strikes on Iran, but concerns about running low on weapons and the dangers of a prolonged campaign have led to hesitation.
Trump ultimately decided against a new major offensive. While some reports tied this choice to missile shortages, a U.S. official told Reuters that pressure from Gulf states played a bigger role in the decision.