Rapid weapons use in Middle East sparks internal U.S. concerns over readiness

The U.S. is experiencing significant internal strain within the Trump administration due to the rapid expenditure of advanced air-defense interceptors and precision-guided munitions in the Middle East. Officials familiar with internal assessments express grave concerns about America's readiness for a potential conflict, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, as war with Iran intensifies.

The dwindling inventories of defensive interceptors and long-range missiles have become a critical pressure point for top military and civilian leaders. They are struggling to balance the demands of the ongoing conflict with Iran against the imperative to deter other adversaries, notably China. U.S. officials, speaking anonymously due to the topic's sensitivity, stated that the nation cannot sustain the current rate of precision munition expenditure against Iran. The defense industrial base is reportedly ill-equipped to rapidly produce missiles needed to replenish the U.S. Central Command's inventories, which are under mounting pressure.

These interceptors are crucial for defending U.S. interests in the Gulf states, which house American troops and are frequently targeted by Iranian drones and missiles. One partner nation has called for a pause in fighting, citing the intensity of Iranian strikes that have impacted Kuwait and Bahrain, damaging infrastructure like electricity and desalination plants.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously denied any crisis with stockpiles, asserting in an interview that "we've got lots of them, we're building more than ever before." He acknowledged that some munitions require longer production times but maintained that "Our stockpiles are strong, and they will only get stronger in the future." However, U.S. commanders are increasingly relying on GPS-guided bombs, such as those fitted with Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) guidance kits, and Small Diameter Bombs. While long-range cruise missiles like the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile remain available, they are being used more sparingly. Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, informed lawmakers in April that scaling up production of such high-end systems could take years.

“

We've got lots of them, we're building more than ever before. Our stockpiles are strong, and they will only get stronger in the future.