During the conflict with Iran, the United States has used nearly 80% of its THAAD air defense system missiles, as well as around half of its Patriot interceptor missiles. Senior military commanders have warned that the Pentagon’s ammunition stockpiles have fallen to “dangerous” levels.
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The figures were reported by CNN, citing sources familiar with internal US military reports.
The sources said the depletion of defensive missiles was among the factors that influenced US President Donald Trump’s decision over the weekend to halt further strikes against Iran, even though he had initially approved the military operation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was reportedly instructed to proceed with a new series of strikes. However, after consultations with allies in the Middle East, Trump changed his position.
US officials say Persian Gulf states raised concerns that an escalation of the conflict could make them targets of Iranian retaliation, particularly their energy infrastructure.
According to the sources, some of these countries rely on US air defense systems. As a result, the depletion of missiles could weaken their ability to defend themselves against drone and missile attacks.
In addition to THAAD missiles, US forces have used significant quantities of Patriot, Tomahawk, ATACMS and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) missiles. The report indicates that Tomahawk stockpiles have been reduced by almost half, while nearly all long-range surface-to-air missiles have been used up.
According to experts, the situation could affect not only operations against Iran but also US readiness to confront potential future conflicts with China, Russia or North Korea.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that before the war with Iran began, the US possessed around 452 THAAD missiles and approximately 2,200 of the most advanced-generation Patriot missiles. If production continues at its current pace, restoring THAAD stockpiles to their previous level could take at least three years.
According to analysts, the US defense industry is working to increase production capacity. The Pentagon has recently signed new contracts to expand the production of THAAD and Patriot missiles, but officials acknowledge that their effects will not be seen immediately.
At the same time, the Pentagon and the White House dispute claims that dwindling ammunition stockpiles are undermining the United States’ military capabilities.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the US military remains “the most powerful force in the world” and has the capabilities needed to carry out any order from the president.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly took a similar position. She said the US military has “more than enough ammunition and reserves” to achieve the Trump administration’s strategic objectives, adding that US weapons production is continuing to expand.
Despite these statements, CNN’s sources say internal military assessments continue to express serious concern about the rate at which missile stockpiles are being depleted and the lengthy period that will be required to replace them.
