International
oi-Madhuri Adnal
The US-Iran war has left the America with depleted stocks of some of its most critical missile defence systems, according to a CNN report citing multiple sources familiar with military assessments.
The CNN report said nearly four-fifths (80 per cent) of the US inventory of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) interceptors has been used, while around 50 per cent of Patriot missile interceptors have also been depleted, prompting concerns over the Pentagon’s operational readiness.
CNN reports suggest the US-Iran war significantly depleted THAAD and Patriot missile interceptors and other munitions, leading to readiness concerns, while Pentagon officials strongly deny these claims, affirming full operational capability.
The report also said that senior US military commanders had repeatedly warned that the Pentagon’s stockpile of precision munitions had fallen to ‘dangerously low’ levels.
Estimates from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggest the US entered the war with about 452 THAAD missiles and nearly 2,200 Patriot interceptors of its two most advanced variants.
The sharp decline in interceptor stocks has raised questions about how well the US would be equipped if it had to respond to another large-scale military crisis.
The issue has also become a concern for Gulf countries, which rely on US-made air defence systems as a shield against possible Iranian missile and drone attacks.
CNN, citing officials, reported that senior advisers discussed the Pentagon’s shrinking weapons inventory with President Donald Trump before he decided not to authorise further strikes on Iran. It was at least the second time such concerns had been raised.
However, the Pentagon and the White House have strongly dismissed suggestions that the conflict has weakened the US military’s operational capabilities.
Responding to CNN report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the armed forces remain fully prepared to carry out any operation ordered by President Donald Trump. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly echoed the view, saying the US still has “more than enough munitions, ammo, and stockpiles” to meet the President’s military goals.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also rubbished the report, calling it false in a post on X. “That banner is NOT TRUE, @CNN. Shame on you. We don’t hate the Fake News media enough,” he wrote.
That banner is NOT TRUE, @CNN. Shame on you.
We don’t hate the Fake News media enough. pic.twitter.com/QCwEoykQZR
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) August 4, 2026
The debate over US military stockpiles is not limited to air defence systems. Reuters previously reported that the US Army has nearly exhausted its supply of some of its most advanced long-range precision missiles during the five-month conflict with Iran.
According to Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter, the Army has used nearly all of its ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles. While some officials questioned whether the US could maintain its ability to deter adversaries such as Russia and China, although others maintained that existing reserves and ongoing replenishment efforts would prevent any immediate operational impact.
