Iran-Israel-US War: The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has now entered its fifth day. Washington, which, initially "only" supported Israel, has now become directly involved, with President Donald Trump saying that he ordered US forces to join Israel because "he believed Iran was about to strike first." As the conflict intensifies, the US is now facing growing concerns about shrinking supplies of ammunition and weapons.
US President Donald Trump had earlier suggested that the fighting in West Asia could last four to five weeks, or even longer. However, Pentagon reports indicate that if US airstrikes on Iran continue for another 10 days, Washington could start running low on some of its most important missiles.
A report by CNN quoted a senior US official saying that the country is already experiencing shortages of important missile systems. This particularly include Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) and SM-3 interceptors. The official added that a "major uptick" in attacks is likely over the next 24 hours while missile and interceptor reserves keep running low.
While the initial aerial strikes, conducted on February 28 have reportedly weakened Iranian defences, the next stage of operation is expected to focus on hitting Iran's missile production facilities, unmanned aerial vehicles and naval capabilities. According to reports, the US military is also facing shortages of Patriot missiles, as Ukrainian air defences have used up large parts of the stockpile over the past four years of conflict with Russia.
Which weapons might face shortages?
According to Al-Jazeera report, citing experts, the US could face shortages of key missiles if the conflict with Iran continues. Interceptor missiles, including THAAD and SM-3, are especially at risk. They pointed out that US stockpiles have already been strained by support to Israel and Ukraine. Moreover, advanced precision weapons like JDAMs could also run low, since they are meant for short, intense fights rather than long battles.
While the concerns regarding shortages of weapon remain, Trump claimed that US munitions supplies were strong. On Tuesday, he wrote on Truth Social that the stockpiles had "never been higher or better."
Trump stated, "The United States Munitions Stockpiles have, at the medium and upper medium grade, never been higher or better – As was stated to me today, we have a virtually unlimited supply of these weapons. Wars can be fought 'forever,' and very successfully, using just these supplies."