US missile stockpiles stretched thin as Iran war drains crucial munitions

CNN reports that the U.S. has significantly depleted its missile stockpiles during the Iran conflict: about 45% of precision-guided missiles, roughly 50% of THAAD interceptors, and nearly 50% of Patriot missiles have been used, with similar substantial drawdowns in Tomahawks (~30%), JASSMs (~20%), and SM‑3/SM‑6 missiles. Although the Pentagon has new production contracts, CSIS notes it will take three to five years to replace most systems and several more years to rebuild to pre-war levels, creating a “window of vulnerability” against near‑peer rivals like China. In the near term, Washington says it can sustain operations, but experts warn that replenishment will be slow and the overall inventory may not recover for years, even as political leaders debate funding and strategy.