Iran’s escalations push U.S. munitions stocks to the edge

Pentagon officials warn protracted Iranian strikes could exhaust U.S. stockpiles of air‑defense interceptors (SM‑3s, THAAD, Patriot) and other missiles as Washington maintains a large Middle East buildup. CSIS and other analysts say substantial shares of interceptors have already been used, risking reduced protection for U.S. troops and allies and complicating support to Ukraine; lawmakers are divided—some pushing procurement reforms while others say inventories are adequate in the near term—though the Pentagon insists it has what it needs for current missions.