US Military Capabilities Strained by Iran Conflict in Israel's Defence

WASHINGTON— US media reports reveal that the war against Iran has drained much of the US military’s defensive and offensive capabilities in the region, particularly in efforts to protect Israel. Meanwhile, reports indicate Iran destroyed approximately $1 billion worth of US drones during the conflict. The Washington Post, citing Al Jazeera on Sunday (24 May 2026), reported on Thursday that the US military fired over 200 THAAD interceptor missiles to defend Israel during the Iran conflict, according to Pentagon assessments and US officials. This figure equates to nearly half of the Pentagon’s total THAAD stockpile. The report states that the US used a significantly higher volume of advanced ammunition to intercept Iranian missiles than Israel itself employed. This has raised serious concerns in Washington about the US military’s readiness and ability to meet security commitments elsewhere in the world. The Washington Post quoted three US officials stating that the situation highlights the immense burden Washington bears in confronting Iranian ballistic missile attacks under the US operation named ‘Epic Rage’ or ‘Amarah Epik’. The officials added that, in addition to THAAD missiles, the US fired over 100 Standard Missile-3 and Standard Missile-6 interceptors from warships stationed in the eastern Mediterranean.