US has used ‘virtually all’ of its long-range precision missiles during Iran war, sources say

The U.S. military has reportedly used nearly all of its long-range precision missiles during the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to undisclosed sources. This revelation has raised alarms within military circles about the potential strain on the armed forces' capacity to conduct sustained operations against adversarial states. The depletion of these critical munitions comes amid a five-month-long war that has seen intense aerial and ground engagements, with the United States playing a central role in targeting Iranian assets. The depleted stockpiles include the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the newer Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), both of which are essential for delivering high-accuracy strikes from a safe distance. These weapons, which cost over $1 million each, have been instrumental in recent military campaigns, including support for Ukrainian forces in eastern Europe. The PrSM, designed to eventually replace the ATACMS, offers greater range and precision, making it particularly valuable in scenarios involving heavily defended targets. However, the near exhaustion of these systems suggests a growing concern over the sustainability of U.S. military operations in protracted conflicts. According to the sources, the U.S. has consumed “virtually all” of its available stock of these long-range missiles, though exact numbers remain undisclosed. While some reports indicate that Central Command, responsible for overseeing U.S. forces in the Middle East, has managed to replenish its inventory through reserves stored in other regions, the overall situation underscores a broader challenge in maintaining strategic readiness. The depletion of these resources has led to internal discussions within the Trump administration regarding the risks associated with continued strikes against Iran, particularly as the war has extended beyond initial expectations. President Donald Trump, who initiated the campaign alongside Israeli leaders in early February, has maintained that the U.S. possesses an ample supply of munitions, surpassing global standards. In a statement, he emphasized that American defense contractors are producing weapons at unprecedented rates, with additional efforts underway to expand production facilities. Despite these assurances, military analysts warn that even with increased output, the current rate of consumption may not sustain prolonged engagement with major powers such as Russia or China. The implications of this weapon shortage extend beyond immediate operational concerns. With the PrSM set to replace the ATACMS, the loss of these systems could delay the deployment of more advanced weaponry, potentially weakening the U.S.’s deterrent posture against emerging threats. Analysts suggest that the reliance on long-range precision missiles is especially crucial in conflicts involving nations with robust air defenses, such as China, where traditional bombing methods may prove ineffective. Several defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, were contacted for comment but did not provide responses. Meanwhile, a Pentagon spokesperson reiterated the strength of the U.S. military's capabilities, stating that the nation maintains a vast array of offensive and defensive tools to meet global security challenges. However, the lack of transparency surrounding actual stock levels continues to fuel speculation about the true extent of the U.S. military’s preparedness for future confrontations.