More than a month after Trump predicted a quick victory, the U.S.-Iran war has settled into a shaky cease-fire punctuated by continued strikes, underscoring that Washington failed to force Tehran to capitulate quickly.
Nearly half of U.S. precision-strike missiles and at least half of THAAD interceptors have been used, according to CSIS, leaving stockpiles depleted and years away from prewar replenishment.
Iran sustained the fight with large volleys of cheaper drones and missiles, hitting U.S. bases and allies, threatening Hormuz commerce, and helping turn a campaign built on airpower into an attrition contest.
The war also exposed weak protection for large U.S. bases and aircraft, with multiple tankers and command-and-control planes already lost and even advanced airpower failing to coerce Iran’s leadership.
The broader lesson is that the U.S. needs bigger munitions production, stronger base defenses, faster adoption of lower-cost and directed-energy systems, and deeper allied support for longer multi-theater wars.
As adversaries observe U.S. struggles in Iran, how will this conflict reshape the future of global warfare?
With critical munitions depleted in weeks, is America's industrial base now its greatest strategic vulnerability?
If the U.S. can execute precise decapitation strikes, why is it faltering in a protracted war of attrition?
America’s Missile Depletion Emergency: How the 2026 Iran War Created a Years-Long Readiness Gap
Overview
Operation Epic Fury, the 39-day conflict with Iran in early 2026, led to a rapid and extensive depletion of U.S. precision missile stockpiles. The U.S. military expended a high volume of both offensive and defensive weapons, raising serious concerns about the nation’s readiness for future conflicts. Experts estimate it will take at least three years to rebuild some missile inventories to pre-war levels. This sudden shortfall sparked intense political debate, with Democrats questioning the war’s objectives and costs, while Republicans called for increased military funding. The situation highlights a critical vulnerability in U.S. defense planning and preparedness.