Archive · 5 Aug 2026
Iran War Depletes US THAAD, Patriot Interceptors; Pentagon Denies
The United States and Iran have been in a war.
To protect American soldiers and its friends from Iranian rockets, the US uses special missiles that shoot down enemy missiles in the sky.
A news report says the US has used up almost all of its best rockets for this job.
One of these rocket types is called THAAD, and another is called Patriot.
The report says the US only has a small number left, and some military leaders worry the stockpiles are “dangerously low.”
But the White House and the Pentagon say the report is wrong.
They say the US still has more than enough munitions.
Officials say the president decided not to launch another big attack on Iran over the weekend partly because Gulf friends feared being hit and because of possible harm to people and energy facilities.
The US Army has also used almost all of its long-range missiles.
One source says the military can make new weapons to replace the ones that were used.
CNN reported, citing multiple sources, that the US has used nearly 80% of its THAAD interceptor stockpile and about half of its Patriot interceptors since the Iran war began.
Senior US military commanders reportedly warned that the Pentagon's munitions stockpiles had fallen to “dangerously low” levels.
Sources said depleted interceptors, intelligence about civilian casualties and energy infrastructure risks, and Gulf allies' concerns helped persuade President Donald Trump to call off planned weekend strikes on Iran.
Pentagon and White House officials denied the report; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called it inaccurate on X, while spokespeople Sean Parnell and Anna Kelly said the military has more than enough munitions.
Reuters reported the Army used “virtually all” of its ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles; CSIS estimated pre-war stockpiles of 452 THAAD missiles and about 2,200 Patriot interceptors.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Pentagon and White House officials, senior US military commanders, and the US Army; Iran is the adversary in the conflict.
- What
- CNN reported that the US exhausted nearly 80% of its THAAD interceptors and about half of its Patriot interceptors during the war with Iran, leaving stockpiles “dangerously low”—a claim the Pentagon and White House denied.
- When
- Reported on August 4-5, 2026, covering the roughly five-month war with Iran.
- Where
- The United States, Iran, and Gulf states including Saudi Arabia that rely on US air defence systems.
- Why
- Intense operations during the five-month war consumed interceptors and long-range missiles, raising readiness concerns and influencing President Trump's decision to suspend planned strikes on Iran over the weekend.
Reporters and Analysts
White House and Pentagon
Missile stockpile levels
Reporters and Analysts
CNN reported nearly 80% of THAAD interceptors and about half of Patriot interceptors have been used, leaving stockpiles “dangerously low” per senior commanders.
White House and Pentagon
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell and White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the military has more than enough munitions, and Secretary Pete Hegseth called the report inaccurate.
Reason for delaying the Iran strike
Reporters and Analysts
Sources said depleted interceptors, intelligence on civilian casualties and energy infrastructure risks, and Gulf concerns helped convince President Trump to call off planned weekend strikes.
White House and Pentagon
The White House said Trump's decision was influenced by pressure from Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, rather than concerns over missile stockpiles.
Future deterrence and readiness
Reporters and Analysts
Officials warned that declining missile stockpiles could affect the US ability to deter adversaries such as Russia and China.
White House and Pentagon
One source said the US military remains capable of replenishing supplies, with US Central Command drawing on military reserves from around the world.
- THAAD interceptors used
- Nearly 80% of stockpile, per CNN report
- Patriot interceptors used
- About 50% per CNN; CSIS estimated about 65% used between February and July
- Pre-war stockpile (CSIS estimate)
- 452 THAAD missiles and about 2,200 Patriot interceptors
- THAAD stockpile drop (CSIS estimate)
- At least 38% lower than at the start of the conflict
- ATACMS and PrSM
- “Virtually all” used, per Reuters
- Tomahawk missiles
- About 30% used by April; stockpiles “significantly reduced”
- Official response
- Hegseth, Parnell, and Kelly denied the report
- Report source
- CNN, citing multiple sources familiar with US military assessments
Sources
'NOT TRUE': Pete Hegseth Denies CNN Report Alleging Critical Depletion Of US THAAD & Patriot Missile Interceptors
US missile defence stockpiles 'dangerously low'?
THAAD To Patriots: Iran War Has Depleted "Virtually All" Of US' Missile Interceptors
Iran War Leaves US Missile Stockpiles 'Dangerously Low', 80% Of Key Interceptors Used: Report
Has Iran war depleted US's missile defence stockpiles?