US missile stockpiles at 'dangerously low levels' amid Iran conflict

The U.S. military faces a critical shortage of interceptor missiles for its primary anti-missile defense systems, with nearly 80% of interceptors for one major system depleted. This alarming situation, revealed by sources to CNN, has led top military officials to warn that Pentagon ammunition stockpiles are at "dangerously low levels."

The conflict with Iran has placed immense strain on American air defense capabilities. According to two sources familiar with the latest inventory data, the U.S. has used approximately four-fifths of its THAAD missiles and about half of its Patriot interceptors since the conflict began. The exact status of THAAD stockpiles had not been previously disclosed.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that prior to the conflict, the U.S. possessed around 452 THAAD missiles and approximately 2,200 Patriot missiles across the system's two most advanced versions. The depletion of these critical assets raises significant concerns, particularly among U.S. allies in the Middle East.

These allies, many of whom rely heavily on American air defense systems, are worried about their capacity to counter potential Iranian retaliatory attacks. Officials have acknowledged that reduced U.S. stockpiles could limit their ability to intercept missiles and drones, especially if they become targets following U.S. operations. The issue of dwindling munitions was reportedly raised shortly before President Trump's decision to halt further strikes against Iran, marking the second time in weeks that senior military advisors expressed concerns over the availability of crucial weaponry.