The U.S. has rushed so many munitions to the Middle East to fight Iran that planners are concerned the loss of firepower is diminishing the military’s ability to defend against potential threats from China and Russia, U.S. officials said

The ongoing war with Iran has led to a massive expenditure of U.S. munitions, causing alarm among Asian allies and frustration within the Pentagon regarding the Indo-Pacific region. This prolonged conflict is seen as potentially undermining U.S. readiness for a confrontation with China, which is increasing military pressure in the area. Experts suggest that the rapid depletion of critical weaponry in Europe and Asia could embolden Russia and China to consider potential conflicts with the United States.

Since the war began in late February, the U.S. has used approximately 1,100 long-range stealth cruise missiles designed for a conflict with China, nearly exhausting its total stockpile. Over 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles have been fired, which is roughly ten times the annual purchase rate. The military also expended more than 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles, each costing over $4 million, and more than 1,000 Precision Strike and ATACMS ground-based missiles, resulting in critically low inventories according to internal Defense Department estimates and congressional officials.

While President Donald Trump maintains that the U.S. possesses ample munitions, some estimates indicate that more than half of certain weapons systems have been used in the Iran war. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) believes there are enough missiles for the ongoing conflict with Iran, but warns about the implications for future wars, particularly with China. CSIS senior advisor Mark Cancian noted that the depletion of munitions was a significant factor in the suspension of air attacks, as inventories fell below war planners' desired levels, potentially encouraging China.

Key munitions have seen substantial depletion: nearly one-third of Tomahawk missiles, almost two-thirds of Patriot missile interceptors, and just over half of precision strike missiles. The Pentagon's budget request for fiscal year 2027 reflects these concerns, proposing a 513% increase for Tomahawk missiles, a 245% increase for precision strike missiles, a 650% increase for THAADS, and a 927% increase for Patriot Missile Segment Enhancement. However, even with increased funding, it could take years for new munitions to reach the battlefield, with Patriot missiles taking 3.5 years and Tomahawks almost 4 years for delivery.