The US military has used up nearly four-fifths of its interceptors for a key missile defence system, according to multiple sources familiar with internal assessments, as senior commanders warn that Pentagon stocks are “dangerously low”. The shortages have been particularly pronounced during the conflict with Iran, the sources said. Two of them, citing the latest inventory figures, said the US has depleted almost 80% of its THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile inventory compared with pre-war levels. They also said the Army has consumed roughly half of its Patriot interceptor stockpile since the start of the war. One of the sources said the THAAD shortfall had not been publicly reported before. The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated the United States held about 2,200 Patriot missiles covering the two most modernised variants, alongside 452 THAAD missiles, before the Iran conflict began. Munitions Drawdown During Iran WarIn addition to THAAD and Patriot interceptors, the sources said the Army has also spent “virtually all” of its highly accurate long-range surface-to-air weapons during the fighting, citing an internal Pentagon report seen by one source. Reuters previously reported separate concerns about the Pentagon’s stock of long-range strategic missiles. The long-range missiles that have been heavily used were identified as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). One source said the Tomahawk cruise missile inventory also remains significantly reduced, with nearly half of those weapons used during the war. CNN reported in April that the US had spent close to 30% of its Tomahawks during the early stages of the conflict. Weekend Strikes Called OffThe stockpile warnings were raised again before President Donald Trump decided over the weekend to cancel planned new strikes on Iran, a move described by the sources as the latest sign that military advisers have repeatedly urged caution. They said Trump had been preparing major operations, and that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received the final order to proceed on Friday. Trump later decided to hold back after discussions with Middle East allies on Saturday, who warned that further strikes could prompt Iranian retaliation, particularly against energy infrastructure. Under the decision, Trump told Hegseth to stand down for now, while keeping the possibility of future strikes open. A senior Trump official said the allies’ concerns about retaliatory attacks on energy assets were among the factors that influenced the President. The sources said other intelligence presented to Trump, including assessments suggesting strikes on parts of Iran’s critical infrastructure could have adverse effects, also contributed to the decision. Wider Risks For US And PartnersThe sources said Gulf officials that depend on US air defence systems have also raised concerns that shortages could reduce their ability to intercept Iranian missile and drone attacks, especially if Iran targets them in response to any American escalation. They also warned that depleted interceptor supplies could affect the US military’s ability to sustain operations, noting the risk that a lack of interceptors could allow large numbers of drones to pass through. One source described the problem as a retaliatory cycle that would be difficult to stop once attacks began. Experts cited by CNN also said the shortages could limit US options in a future conflict with major powers such as China or Russia, and even in a scenario involving North Korea. The issue has also been raised at high-level meetings outside the most recent weekend decision. CNN reported that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine raised stockpile concerns during a White House meeting late last month focused on possible escalation options. A separate person familiar with the matter said discussions also included concerns about the potential for mass civilian casualties inside Iran if major US combat operations resumed. The Pentagon and White House have disputed the implications of the reports. The Pentagon’s chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, said in a statement that the military has the capabilities needed at the time and place chosen by the President. A White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, told CNN that the armed forces have more than enough munitions and stocks to meet the administration’s strategic goals. Trump, for his part, posted on social media on Monday after Iran contradicted his assertion that negotiations would resume, describing Iranian leadership as “unbelievably duplicitous”. He later said it was Iran’s “last chance” to sign a deal, while also saying he was not constrained by negotiation deadlines because he was not seeking re-election. Replenishment And Production EffortsAnalysts cited by CNN said replenishment rates for key missiles are slow. On the current fiscal year delivery schedule, the Pentagon is receiving about 15 new Tomahawks and 20 Patriot interceptor missiles each month. The CSIS estimated it would take three years or more to rebuild THAAD inventories back to pre-war levels. The Defense Department has recently accelerated efforts to expand interceptor production, including two deals signed this week to increase Patriot and THAAD rocket motor manufacturing. A spokesperson did not comment on when the expanded output would translate into fielded numbers. CSIS analysis also indicated that other inventories, including Precision Strike Missile and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile stocks, should recover to pre-war levels by mid-to-late 2027. Join the discussion? 5 August 2026
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