US advanced interceptor stockpiles strained by Iran war, commander warns

Gen Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US European Command (EUCOM), warned Pentagon officials that the US lacks sufficient naval assets to indefinitely intercept Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Israel.

Unless another US Navy destroyer is deployed to the region, EUCOM could be forced to choose between protecting American interests and sustaining missile defence support for Israel.

The New York Times reported that worries over shrinking air defence inventories influenced President Donald Trump's decision to halt strikes on Iran.

An internal Department of War assessment cited by CNN found significant drawdowns of precision-guided munitions, creating a 'near-term risk' should another major conflict emerge.

CSIS estimated the US has used about 45% of its Precision strike missile inventory, at least half of its THAAD interceptors, about 50% of its Patriot interceptors, 30% of Tomahawks, over 20% of JASSMs, and about 20% of SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors.