Bernd Debussman Jr

The United States used large quantities of Tomahawk, Patriot and THAAD missiles during its roughly 40-day war with Iran, leaving some stockpiles difficult and expensive to replenish. Although Donald Trump denies that the country faces an ammunition shortage, Pentagon officials and outside analysts say production timelines of several years could create a vulnerability, particularly if a conflict erupts around Taiwan while the United States is also supporting Ukraine. The depleted U.S. arsenal may have contributed to Trump’s decision to pause escalation and pursue negotiations, but analysts say Iran’s even weaker military reserves reduce the immediate risk of renewed fighting. Washington is therefore trying to balance current Middle East operations, support for allies and deterrence in the Pacific while expanding defense production and developing cheaper systems for countering low-cost drones.