Is the US Really Facing an Ammunition Crisis Due to the War Against Iran? This is What the Media Says

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NEW YORK—The New York Times newspaper reports that the United States’ war against Iran has depleted a significant portion of the US military’s ammunition supplies, forcing the Pentagon to relocate military equipment stationed in Asia and Europe to the Middle East.

The US newspaper, on Thursday (24/4/2026), quoted defence officials as saying the US military had used ammunition worth $5.6 billion in the first two days of the war against Iran, which erupted on 28 February.

The New York Times reported—based on estimates from the Department of Defense (Pentagon) and congressional officials—that the US Army had used more than 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles during the war, at a cost exceeding $4 million per missile.

The newspaper also mentioned that the Pentagon used more than 1,000 missiles of the model designed for precision strikes and ATACMS ground-launched missiles, leaving stockpiles at a worryingly low level, according to it.

In contrast, the New York Times quoted a White House spokesperson stating that what was said was entirely untrue, and the military is equipped with weapons and ammunition exceeding requirements.

Rapid decline

However, several reports from credible US media outlets and research institutions indicate a rapid decline in American ammunition stockpiles during Operation “Fury Epic” against Iran.

According to a report from the American magazine “Air Force and Space,” which specialises in defence, aviation, and space affairs, estimates show unprecedented and excessive use of interceptor missiles and precision ammunition.