Reports have emerged indicating that the United States has expended a significant portion of its difficult-to-manufacture long-range precision missiles during ongoing military operations. CBS News, citing unnamed sources, reported that much of the US global stockpile of these missiles has been used. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that by the end of July, the US had between 759 and 827 Patriot missiles remaining, roughly a third of the 2,330 available before the conflict began. CSIS also estimated that around 60% of terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) missiles have been used.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported that former President Trump confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth last week over concerns about a possible weapons shortfall.

In response to these reports, Trump denied any munitions shortage and condemned the leaks, stating on Truth Social, "The 'leakers' of these treasonous statements are being hunted down," and warning that "Long term jail sentences will be sought!" He also called the Washington Post's reporting "fake" and "treasonous."

Separately, Defence Minister Majid Ibn-e-Reza posted on X that "Each day, the signs of the enemy's diminishing capabilities become more apparent," and affirmed that "our Armed Forces - backed by the nation's defence industry - are fully equipped to respond to any threat." He added that those relying on imported military systems would soon realize that "Iran's indigenous technology is superior to any system in the region."

Sources