The US Army has nearly depleted its reserves of long-range precision missiles during a five-month military campaign against Iran. Internal warnings suggest these shortages could severely limit the United States' ability to deter other global adversaries.
The 300-mile reach of PrSM and ATACMS stockpiles
The US Army has heavily relied on Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which have a range of roughly 185 miles, and the more advanced Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), capable of traveling approximately 300 miles. According to the report, three sources familiar with the data indicate that these offensive inventories have dwindled to "staggering lows," with some officials claiming the US has used virtually all of its available stocks.
These surface-to-surface systems are critical because they allow the US military to strike high-value targets without risking the lives of pilots who would otherwise have to fly into the range of Iranian anti-air defenses. With each missile costing over $1 million, the rapid expenditure of these munitions represents both a strategic and financial drain on the Department of Defense.
The 65 percent drop in Patriot interceptor reserves
The crisis extends beyond offensive capabilities to the defensive shields protecting US forces. A recent study by the Center of Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that 65 percent of Patriot interceptors have been expended since the conflict began. Furthermore, the CSIS report found that stockpiles for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system are at least 38 percent lower than they were before the war started.
As reported by the source, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, warned President Donald Trump in late July that these diminished defensive supplies increase the physical risks to US troops stationed in the region .. This creates a precarious security environment where the ability to shoot down incoming drones and missiles is significantly compromised.
General Dan Caine's warnings to President Donald Trump
There is a stark divide between the assessments of military leadership and the White House. President Donald Trump has repeatedly dismissed concerns,asserting that the US possesses more munitions than any other nation and has "far more than we need" to continue the fight against the Islamic Republic. He has pointed to record-level production expansions at defense plants as evidence of a sustainable supply chain.
However,lawmakers have expressed skepticism regarding this optimism. Some have accused Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine of acting as "yes men" for the President, suggesting that the true state of the arsenal is being obscured.. While President Donald Trump has met with executives from Lockheed Martin—the manufacturer of both ATACMS and PrSM—the company has not yet commented on the reported shortages.
The strategic strain of Ukraine shipments and China deterrence
The depletion of precision missiles in the Iran conflict is not an isolated event but part of a broader strain on US munitions. The US has provided ATACMS to Ukrainian forces to enable deep strikes into Russian territory, a move that further eroded the domestic stockpile . This creates a danerous ripple effect, as these same long-range capabilities are essential for any potential US military strategy near the mainland of China.
Military experts warn that the inability to maintain a robust inventory of long-range options could embolden adversaries in the Indo-Pacific. The current war in the Middle East is effectively consuming the tools required for a potential high-intensity conflict in Asia, leaving the US with a narrow margin for error in global deterrence.
The missing inventory numbers and Iran deal status
Despite the gravity of the warnings, several critical pieces of information remain hidden. The sources cited in the report refused to provide the exact number of munitions remaining in US inventories, leaving the public and lawmakers to rely on percentages and vague descriptors like "virtually all." It remains unclear exactly how many missiles are currently in the production pipeline at Lockheed Martin to replace those lost.
Additionally, there is a lack of clarity regarding the diplomatic front. While President Donald Trump has occasionally walked back threats of overwhelming force, citing signals from Iranian officials that they wish to negotiate, it is not verified if any formal negotiations are currently underway between the US and Iran.
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