Donald Trump faces criticism as his Iran war puts pressure on US weapons stocks. Officials warn the strain could limit America’s ability to respond to threats from China and Russia. The war has now been going on for over five months since Trump predicted a quick victory. The Pentagon has moved weapons and equipment from other regions to support the campaign.
U.S. officials warn the Iran war is straining weapons stocks needed for other threats
According to RadarOnline, the conflict has forced the Pentagon to move aircraft, interceptors and equipment from Europe and the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East. A senior defense source said every interceptor used in Iran leaves fewer available elsewhere. The officials also noted that rivals might notice the pressure and take advantage. The concern has now spread outside the Middle East, the source said.
Officials had warned Donald Trump before the campaign that US inventories faced pressure. It’s been reported that over 1,500 Patriot interceptors have been used, and less than 1,700 are left. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected claims that America lacks weapons. She said that the U.S. has “more than enough firepower” for any operation Trump orders.
The strain has also affected Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelensky said Western air-defense missile deliveries fell threefold this year. Russia recently launched 28 missiles at Ukraine, killing at least 17 people, Zelensky said more interceptors “could have saved the lives” of those killed. Trump blamed weapons shortages on support for Ukraine under Joseph Biden. When asked about Zelensky’s request for more missiles, Trump said, “We want missiles too.”
The primary concerns of US officials are China and Russia. According to officials, Beijing and Moscow are tracking the stocks of U.S. weapons in their budgets, via contractor announcements, satellites and other intelligence channels. Defense analyst Todd Harrison told The New York Times that a longer war could make the US munitions problem worse and expose a larger vulnerability.
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Reported by Ayusi Adhikari on Mandatory.
