Iran War Leaves 'U.S. Arsenal Empty'...China Containment at Risk
Published 26 Jun.2026 11:02(KST)
"It Will Take Years to Replenish Weapons Stockpiles"
The New York Times (NYT) reported on June 25 (local time) that the U.S. military has depleted a significant portion of its weapons due to the Iran war, and it will take years to restore these stockpiles. As a result, concerns have been raised that the U.S.'s warfighting capabilities against countries such as China could be impaired.
According to the NYT, U.S. President Donald Trump and senior officials at the Department of Defense are urging defense contractors to accelerate the production of depleted weapons, while also asking Congress to approve additional funding to address the issue.

USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
Officials from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) have said that even if President Trump were to resume war with Iran, it would not be problematic. However, they warned that if the U.S. were to engage in conflict with major powers such as China, an ammunition shortage could severely restrict its warfighting capabilities. It is expected to take years to recover from the current situation.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) stated last month, "The United States has enough ammunition for any realistic scenario that might arise from the Iran war, but due to declining stockpiles, it would be vulnerable if a conflict erupted in the Western Pacific. The time required to replenish these stockpiles has become a major concern."
The Iran war has significantly depleted the U.S. Department of Defense's weapons. The U.S. used approximately 1,100 long-range stealth cruise missiles that had been stockpiled in preparation for a possible war with China, which accounts for the majority of the U.S. inventory. More than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles were also launched, about ten times the annual U.S. procurement. According to internal Pentagon estimates and congressional officials, the U.S. military used more than 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles, each costing over $4 million, as well as more than 1,000 Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) surface-to-surface missiles during the Iran war, causing a worrisome reduction in stockpiles.
According to two sources, at a White House meeting on June 24, defense contractors said they needed funding to expand production. In response, President Trump said the administration was working to secure additional funds. However, the NYT reported that the $70 billion budget request for the Iran war is expected to face strong opposition in Congress. This is because not only the opposition Democratic Party, but also some members of the ruling Republican Party, have expressed concern about the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a ceasefire with Iran signed by President Trump, and are dissatisfied with the Iran war itself.
Patty Murray, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, pointed out, "The administration has failed for months to answer basic questions about the goals and justification of the Iran war, and has not provided even the most fundamental information about its costs. President Trump tells the American people there is no money for healthcare, housing, or childcare, yet insists on pouring endless taxpayer dollars into a war the public does not support."
The New York Times (NYT) reported on June 25 (local time) that the U.S. military has depleted a significant portion of its weapons due to the Iran war
www.asiae.co.kr