Reuters: US exhausts almost all ground-based long-range missiles in Iran war
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
The United States has exhausted nearly all its ground-based long-range missiles during the war with Iran, Reuters reported on Tuesday, August 4, citing unnamed administration sources. The depletion of ATACMS and PrSM ballistic missiles, along with heavy use of Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot interceptors, has raised alarm about the military's ability to wage future conflicts. President Donald Trump dismissed concerns, saying US ammunition stocks greatly exceed needs.
Long-Range Missile Exhaustion
According to two Reuters sources, the US has used "almost all" of its Army ground-launched missiles, including ATACMS and the newer Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), each costing over $1 million. The Pentagon declined to disclose specific numbers. Analysts note these weapons could be decisive in a conflict with China or Russia. The PrSM is designed to replace the older, shorter-range ATACMS.
Broader Arsenal Drawdown
Nearly half of the global Tomahawk cruise missile stockpile has been expended since the Iran war began, a separate source told Reuters. Defensive systems also saw sharp declines: from February to July 2026, about 65% of Patriot interceptors and at least 38% of THAAD interceptors were used, per CSIS data. Two Reuters sources confirmed these figures match internal administration assessments.
White House Response
President Trump rejected worries over depleted stocks, claiming the US has "far more ammunition than anyone else in the world" and that quantities "greatly exceed our needs," Reuters reported, citing a White House statement. No specific inventory data was provided to support the assertion.
What's Next
The Pentagon is expected to review procurement and production rates in the coming weeks as the Iran conflict persists. It remains unclear how quickly defense contractors can replenish the consumed missiles, especially advanced systems like PrSM, given their complex manufacturing and high costs.
2 sources
Reuters: US exhausts almost all ground-based long-range missiles in Iran war
