US missile shortage hampers protection of troops amid Iran attacks

The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. forces cannot fully protect the roughly 50,000 American troops stationed in the Middle East as Iran continues to launch missile and drone attacks. A U.S. official told the newspaper, "We do not have enough missiles to guarantee the safety of our operations, and I don’t think the White House is aware of it," highlighting a shortfall in missile stocks needed for large‑scale conflict.

Intercepting low‑cost Iranian drones requires the costly use of THAAD and Patriot missiles, whose annual production remains limited, further straining U.S. defensive capabilities. Israel has chosen to stay apart from the current U.S.–Iran escalation, a stance that aligns with Washington and its Arab allies.

The shortage and the high cost of interceptions raise concerns about the United States’ ability to sustain troop protection and manage the risk of a broader regional confrontation.