Archive · 2 Aug 2026
US Missile Stocks Strained by Iran Conflict, Warns Commander
A top US military commander in Europe told the Pentagon that the United States is running out of missiles that can stop Iranian rockets aimed at Israel.
He said the U.S. has used almost half of its best missiles in the last month of fighting.
Because of this, the U.S. might have to choose between protecting its own interests or keeping enough missiles to help Israel.
The Pentagon and the U.S. European Command have not commented yet.
Experts say it could take years to replace the missiles that have been used.
US European Command commander Gen. Alexus Grynkewich warns Pentagon of insufficient naval assets to intercept Iranian missiles against Israel.
US has used 45% of Precision Strike Missiles, 50% of Patriot missiles, 50% of THAAD, 30% of Tomahawk, 20% of SM-3/SM-6, and 20% of JSALSM during 7 weeks of fighting.
Without another destroyer, European Command may have to choose between protecting US interests and sustaining missile defense for Israel.
The Pentagon and US European Command have not commented; Israeli embassy spokesperson unavailable.
Depletion of interceptor missiles poses a near‑term risk for future conflicts, with replenishment taking years.
- Who
- Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US European Command
- What
- Warns of depleted missile stocks and lack of naval assets to intercept Iranian missiles
- When
- Earlier this week; 7 weeks of fighting in West Asia
- Where
- US European Command, West Asia, Israel
- Why
- Iran conflict has heavily used US interceptor missiles, risking future defense capability
- Commander
- Gen. Alexus Grynkewich
- Missile usage
- 45% Precision Strike, 50% Patriot, 50% THAAD, 30% Tomahawk, 20% SM-3/SM-6, 20% JSALSM
- Concern
- Insufficient naval assets to intercept Iranian missiles
- Potential decision
- Protect US interests vs. sustain Israel defense
- Replenishment time
- Several years