US burns through years of munitions in early weeks of Iran war

WASHINGTON, DC: During the first few weeks of the war with Iran, the United States used up “years” worth of important weapons, showing the intensity of the conflict and raising concerns in Washington about the strain on American weapons stockpiles.

According to interviews by the Financial Times, since the start of the campaign with Israel, the Trump administration has relied heavily on advanced missiles and precision-guided weapons.

Heavy demand for advanced weapons

The quick use of these weapons shows the scale of the US military operation, with long-range airstrikes, missile defense operations, and naval deployments across the Middle East.

Officials say the fast pace of fighting has required frequent use of expensive precision munitions to hit Iranian military targets and intercept incoming missiles and drones.

The US and Israel worked together to target Iranian military infrastructure and nuclear-related sites at the start of the war. Since then, both sides have carried out attacks in the region, including strikes on shipping and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.

The US has favored advanced precision weapons in the early stages because they can strike hard targets while limiting collateral damage. The pace of use has drawn attention in Washington, as lawmakers and military leaders consider how long the US could sustain such high-tempo operations.

Some defense experts note that the speed of munitions consumption highlights the growing complexity of modern warfare, where advanced weapons are expended quickly in active conflicts.

Pressure to replenish stockpiles

The rapid depletion of some munitions has intensified discussions in Washington about expanding production capacity and securing funding to restore stocks.

Defense officials are expected to request additional resources from Congress to replace weapons used in the conflict and maintain readiness for other potential crises.

In the first six days, the war has already cost billions, largely due to the expense of munitions. Reports indicate that missiles and precision-guided weapons alone have cost billions of dollars each day during the early campaign.

Tomahawk cruise missiles and other high-end strike systems have been used heavily against Iranian military targets, quickly draining existing inventories. Manufacturers are under pressure to produce more of these systems so the US can rebuild its reserves promptly.

The issue is now part of broader discussions about the war’s costs and logistical challenges. While the Trump administration says the campaign is meeting its military objectives, the volume of weapons used underscores how expensive and complex it is to sustain a modern, large-scale war.