The American arsenal is running dry: the figure that halted the strike on Iran at the last moment

A CNN report reveals that the US has used nearly 80% of its THAAD interceptors and about half of its Patriot interceptors in the war with Iran. The shortage has alarmed Gulf states and was among the considerations that led Trump to hold off on another strike over the weekend. The Pentagon announced an expansion of production, but replenishing stocks is expected to take years.

A CNN report, published on August 4, 2026, reveals that the United States has used nearly 80% of its THAAD interceptors and about half of its Patriot interceptors during the war with Iran. This figure has raised renewed concern in Gulf states, some of which rely on American defense systems to counter Iranian missiles and drones. Regional officials fear that in the event of further escalation, the shortage of interceptors will make it harder for the US to provide full protection to its bases and allies, especially if Iran chooses to attack energy facilities and strategic infrastructure. The shortage was among the considerations that led President Trump to hold off on another strike over the weekend. This is at least the second time in recent weeks that senior military officials have warned Trump that continuing the fighting at the current pace could erode ammunition vital not only for the campaign against Iran but also for American preparedness in other theaters, chief among them the possibility of a future confrontation with China in the Pacific region. Against the backdrop of the shortage, the Pentagon announced steps to significantly expand production: the production rate of Patriot interceptors is expected to triple, and the production of components for THAAD interceptors to quadruple. However, even in the optimistic scenario, replenishing stocks is expected to take years.