Both Trump and the Pentagon are under increasing scrutiny regarding the condition of the military’s arsenal, as the conflict extends into its sixth month without a peace agreement in sight.
In response to claims of dwindling US supplies, Iran emphasized its capacity to respond to “any threat” with its locally manufactured weapons.
As the US temporarily halts its conflict with Iran, questions arise about whether Trump is running low on weapons. “Every day reveals more signs of the enemy’s decreasing capabilities,” remarked Defence Minister Majid Ibn-e-Reza. “However, our Armed Forces, supported by the nation’s defense industries, are fully prepared to counter any threat.”
Ibn-e-Reza further stated that those attempting to gain military superiority through imported systems would soon realize the superiority of Iran’s indigenous technology.
Despite significant consumption of challenging-to-manufacture weapons during Operation Epic Fury and subsequent exchanges, the Trump administration is reassuring Americans about the robustness of the nation’s missile reserves.
According to CBS News and unnamed sources, the US has depleted much of its global stockpile of long-range precision missiles during the conflict. The Washington Post reported last Wednesday that Trump had recently addressed potential weapons shortages with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing additional unnamed sources. The BBC has yet to verify this report.
Trump declared on Truth Social that those responsible for these leaks are being pursued aggressively with long-term jail sentences considered for these acts.
Directly responding to the Washington Post’s allegations, Trump labeled their reporting as treasonous and expressed satisfaction with Pete Hegseth’s performance as Defense Secretary.
Exact details of US missile inventories are classified. Since taking office, Hegseth has imposed stringent controls on information available to reporters from the Pentagon.
According to estimates from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), by late July, the US had between 759 and 827 Patriot missiles remaining, roughly a third of the 2,330 before the war. Additionally, approximately 60% of terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) missiles have been utilized, as reported by Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and senior adviser at CSIS.
Besides the conflict with Iran, global demand for US weaponry could further strain supplies.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies provided data indicating it could take up to five years to rebuild the stockpile of Tomahawk missiles to pre-conflict levels. This estimate anticipates deliveries from both pre-war and post-war orders.
Amid decreasing supplies, Trump acknowledged during a recent cabinet meeting that approving Ukraine’s latest request for additional Patriot missiles would be significant but noted discussions are ongoing.
Since many modern weapons involve long timelines for funding, ordering, production, and delivery, quickly replenishing munitions after use is challenging.
The administration maintains that the US stockpile remains sufficient. Trump’s remarks to the Wall Street Journal last month underscored this point: “We have more munitions than anyone worldwide and far more than we need.”
BBC
