Panic over air defense systems: US reassures Middle East allies

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz refuted rumors of a critical depletion of American air defense arsenals, assuring Middle Eastern allies of sufficient stockpiles. He criticized journalists spreading "nonsense" about shortages and explained that the real reduction is linked to supplies to Ukraine and the operation against the Houthis under Biden. Waltz also noted a split in the Iranian leadership, complicating negotiations.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz categorically refuted rumors of a critical depletion of American military arsenals, especially Patriot air defense systems, which caused panic among Middle Eastern allies. In an interview with NBC, he stated that the US armed forces have everything necessary to effectively conduct a campaign against Iran and called the leaks "nonsense" for which the authors should go to prison. Waltz acknowledged some depletion of stockpiles but linked it to supplies to Ukraine and the operation against Yemeni Houthis under the Biden administration, not to current actions. He also noted that President Trump leaves room for diplomatic maneuver, but the internal split in Iran—between supporters of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and other factions—seriously complicates negotiations. The article relies on Waltz's statements and contains no independent confirmations or alternative viewpoints.