Estimates indicate that the United States has used more than half of its stockpiles for certain weapons systems in the ongoing war with Iran. Despite this depletion, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reports that the US still has enough missiles to continue fighting in Iran under any plausible scenario. However, CSIS highlights that the primary concern is the impact of shrinking stockpiles on future wars.

"We can go on against Iran for quite a long time, even if we've used half the inventory, that means that half the inventories are still available," said retired U.S. Marines Colonel and senior adviser with the CSIS Defense and Security Department Mark Cancian. He added, "The risk is about a future conflict in the Western Pacific against China."

Central Command confirmed it conducted another wave of airstrikes against Iran on Friday, July 17, 2026. The depletion of munitions was cited as a major factor and a key reason for suspending air attacks.

UC Berkeley Senior Research Scholar Cameron Tracy noted, "They're complex manufacturing assemblages, and thus depleting those stockpiles does leave the U.S. materially worse off than it otherwise would have been in the current conflict."

Concerns have been raised that the reduced inventories might embolden China, especially as President Xi monitors U.S. munitions levels amid tensions over Taiwan. "Our inventories were getting way below what the war planners wanted, that might encourage China to do something," the report stated.

An Iranian missile was launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in Iran on August 20, 2025, underscoring ongoing regional tensions.

Bret Baier, anchor and executive editor of FOX News Channel's Special Report, reported on these developments, emphasizing the strategic implications for U.S. defense capabilities.

Sources