A report by the Pentagon's inspector general, the first such assessment covering the U.S. war with Iran from February 28 to June 30, revealed that extensive munitions expenditure has led to "strategic inventory shortfalls and revealed industrial base bottlenecks for munitions resupply." This finding directly contrasts with statements from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed the U.S. possesses "virtually unlimited amounts" of mid- to high-grade ammunition. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also previously denied reports of the U.S. running low on munitions, though he has urged the defense industry to ramp up production.
The report, covering Operation Epic Fury, indicates the war cost approximately $33.4 billion during the specified period. Of this, $22.3 billion was spent on expended munitions, $3.7 billion on equipment losses, and $7.4 billion on other expenditures. This figure does not include the cost of repairing damaged facilities. Previous estimates from NBC News in July suggested the war's total cost could range from $80 billion to $100 billion, while the Pentagon's public estimate in July was $37.5 billion.
To address the shortfalls, acquisition officials are reportedly "working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions." However, the report highlights ongoing bottlenecks, particularly concerning solid rocket motors, high-grade explosives and propellants, and a shortage of skilled manufacturing labor. For instance, approximately 1,500 Patriot missiles were reportedly launched during the conflict, while Lockheed Martin's Camden facility produces only about 750 annually, with efforts underway to increase this to 2,000.
The conflict also resulted in significant damage to U.S. military assets, including the destruction or extensive damage to four F-15E jet fighters, one F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, an A-10 Warthog, twelve KC-135 refuelers, and nine other aircraft. More than 30 MQ-9 drones were also destroyed. The State Department incurred over $208 million in damages across four countries, including $184 million to diplomatic facilities. Additionally, seven U.S. service members were killed in action, and 20,000 U.S. military and diplomatic personnel were displaced.
