Is the US really running out of weapons under Trump?

Key Points:

• The US has expended vast quantities of sophisticated munitions during nearly 40 days of combat operations in Iran, with costs reaching $37.5 billion, largely on weapons like Tomahawk missiles and Patriot air defense systems, leading to concerns over depleted stockpiles.
• Replenishing these advanced weapons is a lengthy process, often taking several years to produce missiles such as Tomahawks and Patriots, creating a "window of vulnerability" that could impact US readiness for potential conflicts, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Despite public denials from President Trump about any shortfall, Pentagon officials have requested an additional $87 billion to address critical equipment and ammunition shortages, highlighting internal tensions over the issue.
• The depletion of US munitions also affects support for allies, notably Ukraine, which urgently needs air defense systems amid ongoing Russian attacks, though recent moves include allowing Ukraine to produce some weapons domestically.
• While the US maintains it has sufficient stockpiles to meet current strategic goals and continues to push for increased domestic weapons production, analysts warn the current conflict prioritization may leave the US less prepared for future threats, particularly from China in the Pacific.