Iran War Leaves US Missile Stockpiles 'Dangerously Low', 80% Of Key Interceptors Used: Report
News world Iran War Leaves US Missile Stockpiles 'Dangerously Low', 80% Of Key Interceptors Used: Report Iran War Leaves US Missile Stockpiles 'Dangerously Low', 80%
News world Iran War Leaves US Missile Stockpiles 'Dangerously Low', 80% Of Key Interceptors Used: Report Iran War Leaves US Missile Stockpiles 'Dangerously Low', 80% Of Key Interceptors Used: Report Published By, Last Updated: August 05, 2026, 06:47 IST The shortage has sparked concerns among US military officials over the availability of critical munitions for future conflicts. This screen grab made on July 26, 2026 from undated handout video footage released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on July 25. (AFP) The US military has used up a large share of its key missile defence and long-range weapons stockpiles during its war with Iran, raising concerns among officials about Pentagon readiness, according to reports. Multiple sources familiar with US military assessments told CNN that nearly 80 per cent of the US inventory of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors has been depleted since the start of the war, while around half of the Patriot missile interceptors have also been used. The report further noted that senior US military commanders had warned that the Pentagon’s munitions stockpiles were “dangerously low" amid concerns over depleted weapons reserves.
Key Missile Defences Depleted The shortage has sparked concerns among US senior military officials over the availability of critical munitions for future conflicts. The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that the US had around 452 THAAD missiles and about 2,200 Patriot interceptors of its two most advanced variants before the war began. Gulf countries have also raised concerns over the impact of reduced US air defence supplies, as several regional allies rely on American systems to protect against possible Iranian missile and drone attacks. Officials told CNN that the issue was discussed before US President Donald Trump decided to halt plans for further strikes on Iran, marking at least the second time senior advisers raised concerns over dwindling US munitions. Pentagon Pushes Back Meanwhile, Pentagon and White House officials rejected claims that the US military lacks the ability to conduct operations. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told CNN that the US military has “everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing". White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the armed forces have “more than enough munitions, ammo, and stockpiles" to meet Trump’s objectives.
Additionally, in a post on X Tuesday, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also rejected CNN’s report, calling it inaccurate in a post. “That banner is NOT TRUE, @CNN. Shame on you. We don’t hate the Fake News media enough," Hegseth wrote. That banner is NOT TRUE, @CNN. Shame on you.We don’t hate the Fake News media enough. pic.twitter.com/QCwEoykQZR — Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) August 4, 2026 Long-Range Missiles Also Hit Reuters earlier reported that the US Army has used much of its global stockpile of highly accurate long-range missiles during the five-month war with Iran. According to sources cited by Reuters, the Army has used “virtually all" of its Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), raising concerns about future readiness. Reuters also reported that three people familiar with the matter warned that declining missile stockpiles could affect the US ability to deter adversaries such as Russia and China. However, another source said the US military remains capable of replenishing its supplies, adding that US Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East, has been able to draw from military reserves around the world to replace weapons used in the conflict.
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