22.04.2026 14:50
The United States has depleted a significant portion of its critical missile stockpiles in the war that began with attacks on Iran. This situation has raised concerns about ammunition shortages in a potential future conflict, particularly with major powers like China.
Following the war that began with attacks on Iran in the Middle East, it has been claimed that the U.S. military's critical missile stocks have significantly diminished and that there could be ammunition shortages in the event of a new conflict.
CRITICAL STOCKS DEPLETED IN WAR
According to a CNN report based on Pentagon sources and experts, the U.S. military used a large portion of its key missile inventory during the process that began with attacks on Iran on February 28. The report stated that this situation poses a short-term risk in terms of military capacity.
"AMMUNITION COULD RUN OUT IN A POSSIBLE CONFLICT WITH CHINA"
According to sources, the current picture indicates that in a possible conflict with a major power like China within a few years, U.S. ammunition could be insufficient. It was stated that the Pentagon has made new contracts to increase missile production, but the production and delivery process could take 3 to 5 years.
SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN MISSILE INVENTORY
According to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in the last 7 weeks of the war, at least 45% of the U.S.'s precision attack missiles, at least half of its THAAD defense systems, and nearly half of its Patriot air defense stock were used. Additionally, approximately 30% of Tomahawk missiles, over 20% of JASSM stock, and about 20% of SM-3 and SM-6 type missiles were depleted.
PENTAGON: WE HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE ARSENAL
In a statement regarding the claims, Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the U.S. military has a comprehensive arsenal to protect its interests and that this capacity is being maintained.
"GIFT" CLAIM ESCALATED TENSION
Meanwhile, in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Trump implied that the U.S. stopped a ship coming from China and that there might be a "gift" on this ship being sent to Iran. Regarding the issue, Trump said in his statement, "We captured a ship yesterday, it had some things on it, and it wasn't very nice. Maybe it was a gift from China, I'm not sure. I thought I had a deal with President Xi, but it's okay. That's what war is like, right?"
CHINA'S RESPONSE TO THE CLAIMS
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the ship seized by the U.S. was a foreign container ship, saying, "China rejects any wrongful association and speculation."
The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. also announced that China conducts its military product exports "carefully and responsibly" and strictly controls dual-use products.