The United States has already used what officials describe as “years’ worth” of key munitions in less than two weeks of war against Iran, raising concerns about the rapid depletion of American weapons stockpiles.
According to a report by the Financial Times, the heavy use of advanced strike and defence systems has placed significant pressure on U.S. military reserves. Sources familiar with the matter said the U.S. Navy has expended a large number of Tomahawk cruise missiles during the early stages of the conflict.
One source described the scale of missile usage as a “massive expenditure,” warning that the effects of the depletion could be felt for years as the Pentagon works to rebuild its stockpiles.
The war began on February 28 following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian military infrastructure and leadership. Iranian authorities say the attacks killed more than 1,300 people, including the country’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military officials, and civilians.
Iran has since launched multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli cities and locations hosting U.S. military assets across the region, escalating the conflict and increasing the demand for advanced defensive systems.
Pentagon officials told lawmakers in Washington, D.C. that the war had already cost more than $11 billion within its first six days. Much of the spending has gone toward high-cost interceptors and precision strike weapons used to counter incoming drones and missiles.
The Pentagon is now preparing a request for up to $50 billion in additional military funding from Congress to replenish depleted weapons and sustain operations. The request is expected to trigger debate among U.S. lawmakers over the long-term cost and sustainability of the war.
Despite concerns raised by some officials, the White House has rejected claims that U.S. weapons supplies are running dangerously low. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the U.S. military still possesses sufficient ammunition and weapons stockpiles to continue operations under the campaign authorized by President Donald Trump.
Military analysts, however, warn that replacing the expended weapons could take years. According to estimates by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, American forces fired at least 168 Tomahawk missiles in the first 100 hours of the conflict alone, highlighting the intensity of the early phase of the war.
As the war continues, the rapid use of advanced munitions is becoming a major strategic concern, raising questions about the long term sustainability of the conflict and the strain it is placing on U.S. military resources.
