As the US restarts war on Iran, is its weapons stockpile running low?
The US military has expended approximately half of its stockpiles of critical munitions since its war on Iran began in February, with replenishment potentially requiring months to years and raising concerns about readiness for other potential conflicts.
The United States military faces significant weapons depletion following sustained operations against Iran since February. Analysis indicates the US has consumed roughly half of its supplies of at least four critical munition types, accumulating billions of dollars in weapons expenditures. Replenishing these depleted stockpiles could require anywhere from several months to several years, according to military analysts.
President Trump is scheduled to address a defence summit at the US Army War College, where he is expected to highlight American military investments and capabilities. However, the speech comes amid escalating military operations and public concern about the conflict's popularity. Recent polling indicates the war remains unpopular among Americans facing elevated living costs. The US has re-ignited attacks on Iran over the past week following an April ceasefire and June memorandum of understanding between the two nations.
The current escalation began when US Central Command launched heavy waves of attacks on Iranian military sites, claiming the objective was degrading Tehran's military capabilities. Sustained hourlong attacks continued for four consecutive nights beginning Sunday, targeting railway infrastructure and bridges. Both nations have blamed each other for ceasefire violations. Iran fired on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz using unapproved shipping routes, prompting the US escalation. Trump declared the ceasefire agreement terminated at a NATO leaders' summit, though he indicated US negotiators could continue discussions. Washington has reinstated a naval blockade on Iran-linked shipping and re-imposed sanctions.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded with retaliatory attacks on US military assets in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. More than a dozen people have been killed in Iran during the latest wave of attacks, including civilians. Trump threatened further escalation in a Fox News interview, stating the US would destroy Iranian power plants and bridges unless Tehran enters negotiations. Military analysts warn that shrinking arsenals could compromise US readiness for potential conflicts elsewhere, particularly with China. Brian Finucane, a former State Department adviser with the International Crisis Group, emphasized this concern to analysts.
Bell tracks these organizations in depth — profiles, people, signals, and history. See them inside Bell →
Live signals across the sector that powers the Gulf.