An Iranian woman walks past an anti-U.S. billboard at Enghelab Square in central Tehran. (Credit: AFP)
The U.S. military has significantly depleted several of its key offensive and defensive missile stockpiles during its months-long war against Iran, according to separate reports published by Reuters on Tuesday and CNN on Wednesday, prompting concerns among some U.S. officials about military readiness should another major conflict erupt.
Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the matter, reports that the U.S. military has used up "virtually all" of its stockpile of ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) tactical missiles, ground-to-ground ballistic missiles with a maximum range of around 300 km, as well as PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) precision-strike missiles, their next-generation successor, designed to hit targets located around 400 km away, with future versions expected to exceed 500 km, according to the U.S. Department of War and the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
Reuters reported that officials familiar with internal discussions have expressed concern that dwindling supplies of long-range precision weapons could affect the United States' ability to respond to future crises involving adversaries such as China or Russia. The news agency said stockpile data has circulated within the federal government during discussions over how long Washington could continue military operations against Iran without reducing inventories to levels that could affect broader military readiness.
The agency also reports, citing one of its sources, that the United States has used "just under half" of its global stockpile of Tomahawk cruise missiles, which are launched from ships or submarines and capable of striking targets at ranges of between 1,600 km and 2,500 km depending on the variant, according to information available online. According to Reuters, the extent of the drawdown in ATACMS and PrSM stockpiles "has not been previously reported." The sources declined to specify how many missiles remain.
For its part, CNN, citing several sources familiar with the matter, reports that stocks of interceptor missiles, intended for air defense, have also fallen sharply. According to the broadcaster, the U.S. military has used nearly 80% of its THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) interceptors, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at ranges of 150 to 200 km, as well as around half of its Patriot missiles, used to defend bases or cities against ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones, according to the Congressional Research Service.
CNN also reported that concerns over munitions stockpiles were raised by senior military officials before President Donald Trump decided not to proceed with another round of large-scale strikes against Iran over the weekend. According to the network, the issue was among several factors discussed alongside intelligence assessments and concerns raised by Gulf allies over the risk of Iranian retaliation.
The White House and Pentagon disputed suggestions that the U.S. military's operational capabilities have been compromised.
In comments provided to Reuters, President Donald Trump said the United States has "far more munitions than anyone in the world" and "far more than we need," adding that U.S. defense companies are producing munitions at record levels while expanding manufacturing capacity.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told Reuters and CNN that "America's military is the most powerful in the world" and "has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President's choosing." He added that the military continues to maintain "a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests."
Reuters reported that analysts agree production of several types of munitions has increased but caution that current output may still be insufficient to sustain a prolonged war. CNN, citing analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, reported that rebuilding inventories of some systems, particularly THAAD interceptors, could take several years despite efforts to expand production.
