US missile stockpile depletion drives halt of Iran airstrikes

The United States used between 1,503 and 1,571 Patriot surface‑to‑air missiles and 174 to 218 THAAD interceptors in its February‑July 2026 confrontation with Iran. That consumption reduced its inventory from roughly 2,330 Patriots and 452 THAAD missiles on 27 Feb to about 759‑827 Patriots and 234‑278 THAAD missiles by 27 July. Analysts say the rapid depletion helped persuade President Donald Trump and his advisers to end daily airstrikes on Iran.

Amid the shortfall, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky requested an urgent shipment of 300 Patriot missiles before the coming winter, highlighting broader concerns about U.S. defensive capacity. Experts warn that the scarcity could force the United States and allies into riskier decisions in future conflicts, including potential confrontations in the Pacific with China.