Reuters: US used virtually all precision missiles in Iran war, sources say
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
The United States has used virtually all of its long-range precision missiles during the war with Iran, sources told Reuters on Monday. The depletion has severely constrained U.S. strike capabilities, forcing reliance on less accurate munitions. The disclosure comes even as the Pentagon asserts it retains sufficient stockpiles for ongoing operations.
Missile Stockpile Depletion
The U.S. has fired nearly all its JASSM and Tomahawk missiles in strikes against Iran since the conflict erupted in early 2026, according to three sources familiar with military inventories. Fewer than 100 of the most advanced variants remain, a fraction of pre-war levels. Production lines are running at maximum capacity but cannot keep pace with the rate of expenditure.
Operational Consequences
The shortage has forced U.S. commanders to pivot to unguided bombs and short-range missiles, reducing accuracy and raising the risk of collateral damage. Pilots are increasingly exposed to Iranian air defenses as they must fly closer to targets. The reliance on older munitions has also slowed the pace of the air campaign, according to a senior defense official.
Pentagon Response
Publicly, the Pentagon maintains it has sufficient weapons stocks and is ramping up production. A spokesperson said the U.S. retains “robust capabilities” and is replenishing inventories through emergency procurement. However, sources contradicted this, saying the scale of use was not publicly communicated to avoid emboldening adversaries.
What's Next
The Pentagon is expected to request emergency funding for missile production in the coming weeks. It remains unclear whether manufacturers can expand capacity fast enough to rebuild stocks given concurrent demands from the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
2 sources
Reuters: US used virtually all precision missiles in Iran war, sources say
