US Military Readiness at Risk Amid Ongoing Operations in Iran

The ongoing military operations in Iran may strain the US's missile inventories, with concerns about the sustainability of resources and rising costs. Despite President Trump's claims of abundant supplies, analysts warn that prolonged engagement could challenge the military's capabilities and logistics. This article delves into the current weaponry deployed, potential shortages, and the financial implications of these operations, raising critical questions about the future of US military strategy in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 4, 2026, 12:33 IST

Potential Strain on US Missile Supplies

According to a report from Al Jazeera, the United States may encounter challenges regarding its high-end missile supplies if military actions against Iran continue for more than ten days. The Pentagon has cautioned President Trump about the risks associated with a prolonged military campaign, which could lead to significant expenses in replenishing the dwindling stockpiles of precision munitions and advanced interceptors. In response, Trump has downplayed these concerns, asserting that the US munitions stockpiles are at their highest levels ever. He stated on Truth Social that the country possesses a virtually limitless supply of these weapons, suggesting that conflicts can be sustained indefinitely with the current resources.

Current US Military Assets in Iran Operations

Weapons Deployed by the US

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported the deployment of over 20 different weapon systems across various domains, including air, sea, land, and missile defense, in the ongoing operations in Iran. The arsenal includes:

Strategic Bombers & Fighter Aircraft
B-2 Spirit
B-1 Lancer
F-35 Lightning II
F-22 Raptor
F-15 Eagle
F-16 Fighting Falcon
F/A-18 Super Hornet
A-10 Thunderbolt II
EA-18G Growler
Drones & Strike Systems
LUCAS one-way attack drones
MQ-9 Reaper
M142 HIMARS
Tomahawk missiles
Missile Defense Systems
Patriot missile system
THAAD
Naval & Support Assets

Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carriers Involved

Among the naval assets are:

USS Abraham Lincoln
USS Gerald R. Ford
Guided-missile destroyers
Refueling tanker aircraft and ships
C-17 and C-130 cargo aircraft
Early warning and reconnaissance aircraft, including RC-135 and P-8 platforms

Concerns Over Weapon Shortages

Potential Shortages of Key Munitions

Al Jazeera reports that the most probable shortages would involve precision-guided munitions and advanced missile interceptors, particularly systems like THAAD and Patriot. The US stockpiles have already been strained due to ongoing military support for allies such as Israel and Ukraine. Christopher Preble, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, noted that while funding may not be an issue given the US defense budget, the inventory of interceptors could pose a significant constraint. Some interceptors were initially designated for Ukraine to defend against Russian attacks, while others are stationed in the Indo-Pacific region, crucial for potential conflicts with China. Redirecting these systems to the Middle East could compromise deterrence in other areas.

Financial Implications of Military Strikes

Cost of Operations

The Pentagon has not disclosed the total costs associated with the military operations, but estimates indicate that expenses are escalating quickly. Reports suggest that the US incurred approximately $779 million in the first 24 hours of operations in Iran, with an additional $630 million allocated for pre-strike preparations, including aircraft movements and naval deployments. The Center for a New American Security estimates that operating a carrier strike group like the USS Gerald R. Ford costs around $6.5 million daily.

Sustainability of Military Operations

Long-Term Viability of Military Campaigns

While President Trump maintains that the US has an almost unlimited supply of essential munitions, defense analysts highlighted that sustainability is a critical concern. High-end missile interceptors and precision strike weapons require time to produce and replenish. A prolonged military engagement in Iran could challenge not only the military capabilities of the US but also its supply chains and overall strategic posture globally.