US missile reserves dwindle significantly amid Iran conflict: report

The U.S. military used nearly half of its Patriot interceptor missile supply during a seven-week operation against Iran, according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

A report from Washington-based outlet The Hill highlighted significant missile stockpiles depletion across several key weapon types, raising concerns about the United States’ readiness for a potential conflict with China.

CSIS’s study released Tuesday indicates that U.S. forces fired almost 50% of their Patriot missiles during the Iran operation. Additionally, more than half of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors were used, along with over 45% of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) during the Iran air and missile campaign.

The report further noted that over 20% of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs), more than 30% of SM-3 interceptors, and at least 10% of SM-6 missiles were expended under Operation Epic Fury.

Rebuilding these stockpiles—including Tomahawk cruise missiles and JASSMs—could take between one to four years, CSIS warns. These weapons are critical for any future conflict in the Western Pacific.

“Even before the Iran conflict, stockpiles were considered insufficient for a fight against a peer adversary. That shortfall is now even more urgent, and restoring adequate levels for a potential war with China will require additional time,” the authors stated.

While the U.S. is currently capable of maintaining operations against Iran, the remaining arsenal would be inadequate in a showdown with a major opponent like China, the report suggests.

In response to these findings, United States Central Command (Centcom), which led the Iran campaign, announced that it is actively rebuilding its capacity during the ceasefire. Centcom posted on social media that its forces “remain prepared.”

Centcom Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, speaking alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, said, “We are rearming, retooling, and adjusting our tactics, techniques, and procedures.”

“No other military adjusts as swiftly as ours, especially during a ceasefire,” he added.

The report coincides with earlier remarks by President Donald Trump in March, following talks with top defense contractors, where he announced plans to increase the production of high-end weapons four times over.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the military’s capabilities, telling The Hill that the U.S. remains fully equipped. “The U.S. military is the strongest in the world and has everything needed to carry out missions at the President’s direction,” he stated.

“As Secretary Hegseth has pointed out repeatedly, less than 10% of America’s navy handled traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Since President Trump took office, we’ve executed multiple successful missions across various commands, all while maintaining a robust arsenal to safeguard our interests,” Parnell added. “Efforts to alarm Americans about munitions shortages are unfounded and unpatriotic.”

Additionally, Pentagon Comptroller Jules ‘Jay’ Hurst mentioned plans to extend multi-year munitions contracts up to seven years, aiming to improve supply chains and support long-term investment. This initiative forms part of the proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget.

“Once Operation Epic Fury concludes, naval assets sent to the Middle East will return to the Pacific. Munitions stocks will gradually recover, but restoring and maintaining proper levels could take many years,” the report authors, Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park, concluded.