US missile stockpile dwindles amid ongoing conflict with Iran

U.S. defense officials say the war with Iran has sharply cut American missile reserves. By the end of July only about one‑third of the 2,300 Patriot missiles deployed at the start of the conflict remained, and roughly half of the THAAD interceptors were used, leaving about 250 units. The Pentagon estimates that more than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles have been fired, consuming a large share of the stockpile.

The fighting has cost the United States roughly $37 billion so far, with total expenses projected to exceed $117 billion if the war continues for a year. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that replenishing depleted stocks could take months or years, prompting a meeting with leading defense firms such as Anduril and others to accelerate production. The Center for Strategic and International Studies highlighted the risk of running out of defensive munitions if the conflict persists, underscoring a material shortage that could shape future U.S. military strategy.