CNN: Depletion of US Missile Stockpiles Forced Trump to Back Down from Major Strikes on Iran
An American report reveals a serious decline in US defensive and offensive missile inventories amid warnings of weakened military readiness in the face of global challenges.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
American network CNN revealed that the United States is facing an unprecedented decline in its stockpile of defensive and offensive missiles following heavy consumption during military operations against Iran. This has raised concerns within military circles regarding Washington’s ability to sustain any long-term conflict.
According to the report, the US military has consumed approximately 80% of its THAAD interceptor missile inventory compared to pre-war levels, in addition to nearly half of its Patriot missile supply—a factor the network described as an indicator of declining US defensive capabilities.
Ammunition Shortage Behind Cancellation of Major Strikes
CNN reported that the severe shortage of advanced munitions was among the primary reasons prompting US President Donald Trump to cancel a plan aimed at launching broad military strikes against Iran. This decision came after warnings from military and intelligence leadership regarding the risks of depleting American defensive capabilities and the potential exposure of vital regional facilities to retaliatory attacks.
Depleted Long-Range Missiles
The report noted that the conflict has also consumed significant quantities of long-range, high-precision US weapons, including ATACMS and PrSM missiles, alongside nearly half of the Tomahawk missile stockpile. This significantly increases pressure on the US defense industry to replenish these inventories.
Concerns Over Washington’s Military Readiness
CNN pointed out that the continued decline in ammunition stockpiles is raising questions within US defense establishments regarding the nation’s capacity to handle potential crises or conflicts with major powers such as China, Russia, and North Korea, given the slow production rates of advanced missiles.
The report also quoted military analysts estimating that rebuilding THAAD missile stockpiles to previous levels could take three years or more. Meanwhile, Patriot and Tomahawk systems may require several years to restore normal levels, despite ongoing efforts by the US Department of Defense to expand production capacity across the military-industrial sector.
