As US-Israel strikes on Iran continue, analysts warn that the United States could begin running low on critical interceptor missiles within weeks if the campaign becomes prolonged.
While President Donald Trump insists US stockpiles are strong, Pentagon leaks suggest certain high-demand systems may face strain.
What Weapons Is the US Using?
According to United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the US is deploying more than 20 weapons systems, including:
Aircraft
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B-1 and B-2 bombers
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F-35 Lightning II
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F-22 Raptor
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F-15 fighter jets
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EA-18G Growlers
Missile & Strike Systems
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Tomahawk cruise missiles
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HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems)
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MQ-9 Reaper drones
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LUCAS one-way attack drones
Air Defence Systems
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Patriot missile systems
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Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
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AWACS aircraft
Two US aircraft carriers — the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford — were already positioned in the region.
Where Could Shortages Happen?
Reports from The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal indicate Pentagon officials warned that:
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Interceptor missile stockpiles may run low
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Missile defence systems are already stretched
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Supplies have been heavily used in support of Israel and Ukraine
Interceptor missiles — used to shoot down incoming ballistic threats — are particularly expensive and time-consuming to replenish.
Trump’s Position
Trump rejected reports of shortages, stating on social media that US munitions stockpiles are at their “highest levels” and that the US has a “virtually unlimited supply.”
However, analysts caution that while the US has vast overall military capacity, specific high-tech defensive systems like Patriot and THAAD interceptors cannot be replaced quickly if used intensively.
The Bigger Risk
If the conflict lasts beyond several weeks:
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Interceptor missile reserves could decline sharply
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Defence readiness in other regions may be affected
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Costs of replenishment could surge into billions of dollars
A prolonged campaign could test not just military endurance, but US industrial production capacity.
