US defense reserves at risk if war with Iran extends another 10 days: Pentagon warns

WASHINGTON: The United States Department of Defense has warned that US missile stockpiles could face serious depletion if military operations against Iran continue for another 10 days, according to a report cited by Al Jazeera.

Senior Pentagon officials have reportedly informed US President Donald Trump that prolonged conflict could create significant strategic and financial risks. Among the chief concerns is the rapid consumption of advanced interceptor missiles and precision-guided munitions that are essential to US missile defense systems.

The report said that certain weapons, particularly interceptor missiles, could be exhausted within days if current operational intensity continues. Officials also warned that replenishing these sophisticated systems would involve extraordinary costs and production timelines, potentially weakening broader US defense readiness.

The strain on US stockpiles is not solely linked to the current escalation. Over the past year, Washington has supplied extensive military assistance to allies including Israel and Ukraine, placing additional pressure on reserves of critical munitions.

According to the report, the US deployed approximately 25 per cent of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptors last year, firing roughly 150 missiles to deter Iranian attacks. Ship-launched interceptor missiles were also significantly depleted during previous confrontations.

Particular concern surrounds the stockpile of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) interceptors and precision-guided weapons such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) – kits that convert conventional bombs into GPS-guided smart weapons with high accuracy.

The report further noted that Iran destroyed one of the largest US radar installations in the Persian Gulf during missile strikes, highlighting the vulnerability of key defense infrastructure in the region.

Defense analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could not only erode advanced weapons inventories but also impact US deterrence capabilities globally, especially at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

The Pentagon has not publicly detailed exact inventory levels but noted the need to carefully balance ongoing military operations with long-term strategic readiness. Earlier, a report by Bloomberg report also said that the US-Iran war could become a ‘war of attrition’.

Iran’s Shahed-136 drones are hitting the US and allied targets across the Middle East, forcing expensive Patriot and THAAD missiles into action. Each $4 million interceptor counters a $20,000 drone, highlighting the strain on munitions as both sides race to outlast the other.

With hundreds of drones likely available and US stockpiles limited, experts warn the conflict could quickly turn into a stalemate. Iran’s forces are acting independently, while alternative defenses like lasers remain unused, leaving expensive missile systems to bear the brunt of the fight.