Iran war drains US military stockpiles, constraining global deterrence: Report
US officials warn that interceptor inventories in Europe have fallen ‘beyond critical’ levels, while Pentagon rejects claims of shortages
WASHINGTON (AA) – The extensive use of advanced US weapons during the war with Iran has significantly reduced American military stockpiles, potentially limiting Washington’s ability to respond to threats from China and Russia, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
The depletion has raised concerns among US military planners, who said the strain on weapons supplies has prompted the US European Command, which oversees American military operations across Europe, to revise some of its operational plans.
Officials also assessed that the US would be unable to fully implement contingency plans to defend Taiwan in the event of a near-term military conflict, according to the report. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
The redeployment of air defense assets from Japan, South Korea and Germany to the Middle East has created vulnerabilities, or “soft spots,” in the US military’s global posture that could take years to replenish, officials said.
Some US officials said European stockpiles of PAC-3 Patriot interceptors and ATACMS surface-to-surface missiles have fallen to “beyond critical” levels. THAAD missile interceptors and counter-drone systems have also been shifted to the Middle East, further reducing available supplies in Europe.
The shortages have also constrained the ability of Western countries to provide additional air-defense interceptors to Ukraine as it continues to face Russian missile attacks, according to the report.
The White House and Pentagon have rejected claims that US weapons inventories are running low.
The Trump administration has maintained that the US military has sufficient ammunition and other resources to meet the objectives set by President Donald Trump.
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