Iran adapted its attacks on bases in Mideast as US munitions stockpiles diminished - report

Iran adapted its attacks on US bases in the Middle East to exploit diminishing US air defenses, according to a New York Times report. During five days in June, Iran launched waves of drones and missiles at three bases in Jordan, using missiles that could change course to force the US to expend scarce Patriot interceptors. On July 17, an Iranian strike on a US base in Jordan killed three soldiers. The US Army had used up virtually all of its long-range missiles during the five-month war, and the Pentagon had fewer than 1,700 Patriot interceptors left. Between February and July, the US used about 65% of its Patriot interceptors. The ATACMs stockpile, also needed by Ukraine, is nearly depleted.

Iran has adapted its attacks on US military bases in the Middle East to bypass American air defenses, according to a New York Times report. During five days in June, Iran launched waves of drones and missiles at three bases in Jordan, aiming to overwhelm US defenses. The IRGC used missiles that could suddenly change course, forcing the US to use scarce interceptor missiles. On July 17, an Iranian strike in Jordan hit a housing unit on a US base, killing three soldiers. The US Army had used up virtually all of its highly accurate long-range missiles during the five-month war, and the Pentagon had fewer than 1,700 Patriot interceptors left. Between February and July, the US used about 65% of its Patriot interceptors. The munitions shortage also affects the ATACMs stockpile, which is nearly depleted and is also in demand by Ukraine. President Trump responded that the US has far more munitions than anyone in the world and that defense companies are producing more than ever.