Shocking Report: Unprecedented Missile Depletion Pushes Washington to Extend Truce with Tehran
Western studies reveal “critical gaps” in the U.S. arsenal… replenishment may take years
NYN | Reports and Analyses
A recent report issued by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), supported by data published by CNN, has revealed a severe and unprecedented crisis affecting U.S. stocks of defensive and offensive missiles following the recent war with Iran. This development helps explain Washington’s move toward de-escalation and the extension of the truce for an indefinite period.
Unprecedented Depletion Threatening Readiness
According to the report, the U.S. arsenal has seen massive consumption of advanced munitions. Between 1,060 and 1,430 Patriot missiles were launched out of an estimated stockpile of around 2,330, along with more than 850 Tomahawk missiles and approximately 1,000 JASSM missiles.
The data also shows that the most advanced air defense systems were heavily strained, with up to 290 THAAD missiles used out of 360. In addition, most Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) were depleted, meaning the United States effectively lost nearly half of its advanced missile capabilities.
“Critical” Gaps and Industrial Challenges
The report states that this rapid depletion has exposed what experts describe as “critical gaps” in the U.S. defense system, particularly given the slow pace of industrial replenishment.
Estimates indicate that producing a single SM-3 missile can take more than five years at a cost of up to $28.7 million, while a THAAD missile requires around 53 months to manufacture, costing approximately $15.5 million.
This reality places the U.S. defense industry under significant strain, as it is unable to quickly compensate for the shortfall, directly affecting overall combat readiness.
4 to 5 Years to Restore Balance
According to CNN data, the United States may need at least 4 to 5 years to rebuild its missile stockpiles, creating a period of “temporary vulnerability” in its military capabilities.
Analysts believe this time gap may push Washington to avoid large-scale military escalation in the coming phase and instead focus on containing tensions through diplomatic and political channels.
Decline in U.S. Global Deterrence
Experts at CSIS warn that the combination of rapid depletion and slow production could significantly weaken U.S. deterrence capabilities, especially amid multiple global hotspots.
The report concludes that the continuation of this situation could impose strategic constraints on U.S. military decision-making and make any large-scale confrontation extremely costly—not only financially, but also in terms of national security.
