The US Department of Defense's inspector general has reported that the ongoing conflict with Iran has led to munitions shortfalls and resupply bottlenecks, contradicting statements made by President Donald Trump, who has claimed that US munitions supplies are 'virtually unlimited.' The inspector general's report indicates that the US spent over $22 billion on munitions from February to June, resulting in 'strategic inventory shortfalls.' In response to the report, the White House stated that the US has 'more than enough' munitions available.
The report offers an independent assessment of US weapons stockpiles, which are typically classified. Previous estimates have suggested significant shortages, particularly in interceptors like the Patriot missile and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), with some stocks reportedly depleted by more than half. While the inspector general's report did not specify the exact number of remaining weapons, it highlighted inventory shortfalls and 'industrial base bottlenecks' affecting munitions resupply.
To address these shortages, the Department of Defense is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times. The White House has dismissed the inspector general's findings, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly asserting that the military has sufficient munitions to meet strategic goals. Trump and other officials have characterized reports of shortages as false and 'treasonous.'
The inspector general's report also noted that equipment losses have amounted to $3.7 billion, with an additional $7.4 billion in other expenditures, bringing the total US spending on the war from February 28 to June 30 to $33.4 billion. A Congressional Budget Office estimate released concurrently placed the total cost of the war at $38 billion, factoring in replaced munitions, lost equipment, increased flying hours, and higher fuel costs.
Significant losses include four F-15E fighter jets, an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and 30 MQ-9 drones. Initially, Trump suggested that the conflict would conclude within weeks, but he later indicated that it might extend until after the November midterm elections. Public sentiment regarding the war appears to be negative, with a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicating that only 23% of Americans, and half of Republicans, believe the US is in a stronger position with Iran compared to before the conflict began.