Situation on the Brink of Explosion: After Iranian Shelling, US Faces Shortage of Air Defense Missiles
Amid the threat of a new escalation in the Middle East, London and Washington are discussing the creation of international forces to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which is regularly shelled by the Iranian army and IRGC. A British source said the situation is close to explosion. The US is experiencing a shortage of interceptor missiles after weeks of Iranian shelling.
Amid the threat of a new escalation in the Middle East, London and Washington are discussing the creation of international forces to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which is regularly shelled by the Iranian army and IRGC. A British security source told the Financial Times that the situation is close to explosion. After 13 nights of mutual strikes, the US Army and IRGC have ceased fire, but Iran previously launched missiles and drones daily at civilian infrastructure and American bases. NBC reported that the US is deliberately not intercepting some missiles to preserve its dwindling stock of interceptors. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, depending on trajectory and threat level. On the diplomatic front, a summit of defense ministers from dozens of countries is proposed to create an international naval task force. Representatives from up to 40 countries may attend a meeting in London. The UK withdrew diplomats from Tehran on July 22. The idea arose after a conversation between new UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth. Previously, relations between the UK and US were strained due to former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's refusal to allow the use of British bases for strikes on Iran. Efforts are now being made to restore relations.