Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Report Flags US Weapons Shortages and Base Damage
A US government watchdog report examined how the war with Iran affected American forces.
It found that the United States used large amounts of advanced missiles and defensive interceptors.
This left some weapons stocks lower than before and exposed problems in making replacements quickly.
Iranian attacks damaged many buildings at US bases in West Asia.
Some drones and refueling planes were also damaged or destroyed.
Attacks on a logistics hub in Bahrain forced the military to use longer supply routes.
American diplomatic buildings in four countries were damaged as well.
The conflict has cost tens of billions of dollars, although the articles cite different totals for different periods.
The Pentagon says the military still has enough weapons and capabilities to continue its operations.
A watchdog assessment found strategic shortages of advanced missiles and defensive interceptors, along with bottlenecks limiting munitions replenishment.
Iranian strikes damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings at US military installations across eight West Asian countries.
Up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones and several KC-135 refueling aircraft were damaged or destroyed.
US diplomatic facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates sustained an estimated $184 million in damage.
Reported costs include $33.4 billion for the assessment period, while later figures put direct military costs at $37.5 billion and related State Department expenses at $113 million.
- Who
- US military and diplomatic personnel, Iranian forces, regional partners and US government agencies are involved.
- What
- A watchdog assessment documented weapons shortages, production bottlenecks, facility damage, equipment losses and financial costs linked to the conflict with Iran.
- When
- The articles cite assessment periods ending between June 29 and June 30; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported later military costs in late July.
- Where
- US facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Jordan were affected, along with diplomatic sites in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- Why
- Months of Iranian strikes and continuing US military operations placed pressure on weapons stocks, infrastructure, supply routes and government finances.
Watchdog Findings
Pentagon Position
Military readiness
Watchdog Findings
The watchdog assessment says the conflict caused strategic inventory shortfalls and exposed industrial bottlenecks affecting advanced munitions and defensive-interceptor replenishment.
Pentagon Position
The Pentagon maintains that US forces retain sufficient capabilities to continue military operations in the region.
Cost estimates
Watchdog Findings
The assessment reports $33.4 billion in costs for its stated period, while the articles describe additional later costs and expenses.
Pentagon Position
The later $37.5 billion figure cited by Pete Hegseth reflects direct military costs reported after the assessment period, so it is not presented as the same accounting total.
- Report authors
- Inspectors general from the United States Department of Defense, the United States Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development
- Reported coverage dates
- The articles cite periods from April 1-June 30 and February 28-June 29
- Drone losses
- As many as 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones, valued at roughly $30 million each, were damaged or destroyed
- Diplomatic property damage
- An estimated $184 million in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
- Assessment-period cost
- One article reported $33.4 billion, including $22.3 billion for weapons and ammunition, $7.4 billion in other costs and $3.7 billion in lost equipment
- Later reported costs
- Pete Hegseth said direct military costs had reached $37.5 billion; the State Department reported $113 million in contingency expenses
- Regional defense packages
- More than $44 billion in emergency and non-emergency defense packages were processed for regional partners
