US depleted most long-range precision missiles in Iran operations, Reuters reports

WASHINGTON, United States — BAGHDAD/WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has used up most of its long-range precision-guided missiles in operations against Iran, according to Reuters, which cited sources familiar with the matter. The sources said the United States has nearly exhausted its ground-launched ATACMS and PrSM missiles and that U.S. Central Command has moved missiles and munitions from American stockpiles in other parts of the world to cover the shortfall. Military officials have warned that the ammunition gap is weakening deterrence, the Reuters report said. ATACMS missiles have played a critical role in the war in Ukraine, while PrSM missiles are counted among the United States' key weapons in a potential conflict with China. The sources said the depletion of stockpiles featured in discussions last week within the Trump administration over whether to expand operations against Iran. The White House rejected claims of a stockpile crisis, saying President Donald Trump has stated that the United States has more munitions than any other country in the world. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the U.S. military has everything it needs to conduct operations at the time and place the president directs. Analysts acknowledged that production of some munitions has increased but warned that current output likely cannot keep pace with consumption in a prolonged conflict, according to Reuters. A Center for Strategic and International Studies report found that between February and July, the United States used roughly 65% of its Patriot missiles and at least 38% of its THAAD missiles, and has fired about half of the global Tomahawk stockpile since the war began.