The United States has exhausted much of its stockpile of long-range precision-guided missiles during its five-month conflict with Iran, according to multiple sources familiar with internal military data, prompting concerns about the country’s preparedness for future conflicts.
According to a Reuters exclusive published on August 4, the U.S. Army has used virtually all of its Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), two of its most advanced long-range surface-to-surface weapons. The extent of the depletion has not previously been reported.
The missiles, which cost more than $1 million each, have played a central role in allowing the U.S. military to strike targets from long distances while minimizing risks to personnel. ATACMS have also been supplied to Ukraine for use against Russian targets, while the newer PrSM is expected to replace the older missile system.
Sources told Reuters that the heavy use of these weapons during the Iran conflict has significantly reduced U.S. inventories, raising concerns among some officials about the country’s ability to respond effectively to other potential crises involving major powers such as China or Russia.
One source also said the U.S. has used just under half of its global stockpile of Tomahawk cruise missiles since the start of the conflict. Reuters reported it could not independently verify that figure.
The White House rejected suggestions that U.S. military readiness had been compromised. President Donald Trump said the United States possesses “far more munitions than anyone in the world” and emphasized that defense manufacturers are producing weapons at record levels while expanding production capacity.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also defended the military’s capabilities, stating that the U.S. armed forces remain fully equipped to carry out operations wherever and whenever directed by the president.
Military analysts, however, caution that while production of several key munitions has increased substantially, replenishing depleted inventories could take time if the conflict continues or another major military crisis emerges.
The report also highlighted concerns over defensive missile systems. According to a recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), roughly 65% of Patriot missile interceptors and a significant share of THAAD interceptors have been used during the conflict. Reuters said two sources indicated those estimates closely match internal U.S. government assessments.
The prolonged conflict has also renewed debate in Washington over the president’s authority to conduct extended military operations against Iran without formal authorization from Congress.
Reuters reported that although some officials remain concerned about declining stockpiles, others believe the United States can replenish supplies by drawing from inventories across its global military commands while defense production continues to increase.
