August 5, 2026 | 04:37 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The United States has depleted much of its key missile defense arsenal since the conflict with Iran began, raising concerns among senior military officials over the Pentagon's shrinking stockpile, according to a CNN report published on Tuesday, August 4.
Citing multiple sources familiar with the matter and the latest inventory assessment, CNN reported that the U.S. military has used nearly 80 percent of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missiles and roughly half of its Patriot missile inventory since the start of the war with Iran.
Pentagon Stockpiles Reach Critical Levels
Senior U.S. military commanders have privately warned that the Pentagon's munitions stockpile is now at a "dangerously low" level, the report said. The sharp decline in THAAD interceptors adds to earlier concerns over dwindling Patriot missile reserves.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the United States had an estimated 2,200 Patriot interceptors, including its two most advanced variants, and 452 THAAD missiles before the Iran conflict began.
Beyond THAAD and Patriot interceptors, CNN reported that inventories of other long-range precision weapons, including the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), and Tomahawk cruise missiles, have also been significantly reduced during the conflict.
The report added that the Pentagon currently receives only around 15 new Tomahawk missiles and 20 Patriot interceptors each month. Analysts estimate it could take at least three years to restore THAAD missile stockpiles to their pre-war levels.
Gulf Allies Warn of Defense Risks
CNN reported that Gulf allies, many of which rely on U.S.-supplied air defense systems, have warned that the shrinking missile stockpiles could weaken their ability to defend against potential Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Officials reportedly fear they could become targets of retaliation if Washington escalates military operations against Tehran, while reduced U.S. inventories may limit Washington's ability to support regional partners during a broader conflict.
Missile Shortage Influenced Trump Strike Decision
The missile shortage reportedly became one of the factors behind President Donald Trump's decision to cancel planned strikes on Iran last weekend. According to CNN, Trump had initially approved the operation, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received the final authorization on Friday.
However, after consulting Middle Eastern allies on Saturday, Trump decided to halt the strikes. The allies reportedly warned that Iran could retaliate by targeting critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf region. While the operation has been suspended for now, CNN reported that the military option remains on the table.
White House Rejects Shortage Concerns
Responding to the report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the U.S. military remains fully capable of carrying out any mission ordered by the president.
"America's military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President's choosing," Parnell told CNN.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly also dismissed concerns over depleted stockpiles, saying the U.S. military still possesses more than enough munitions and missile inventories to fulfill President Trump's strategic objectives.
CNN noted that the shrinking arsenal has nevertheless raised broader concerns about the U.S. military's readiness for a prolonged conflict with Iran or a future war involving major powers such as China, Russia, or North Korea.
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