US Tomahawk missile shortage: Pentagon fears Iran war will drain West Asia weapons stockpile

WASHINGTON: As the conflict with Iran enters its first month, there are reports that the Pentagon is concerned about the depletion of the United States’ weapons stockpile. The report has gained attention amid a warning by Donald Trump that no attacks would be carried out on Iran’s energy facilities for the next 10 days.

Reports indicate that the US is facing a shortage of its key weapon, the Tomahawk cruise missile. These missiles are primarily used to strike targets in Iran due to their precision and strength. Defence experts have expressed concern that if the conflict continues, the stockpile of Tomahawk missiles in West Asia could run low. Officials are now discussing options such as redeploying missiles from other regions and increasing production. The Tomahawk missile can travel at a speed of about 880 km/h and is capable of flying under radar detection. Since February 28, the US has reportedly launched more than 850 Tomahawk missiles against Iran.

Meanwhile, according to a report by The Washington Post, Pentagon officials have begun discussions on ensuring the steady availability of precision weapons. The US mainly relies on missiles that can be launched from warships and submarines, but the Pentagon has not publicly disclosed the exact number of weapons in its stockpile.

There are also reports that the US is considering deploying an additional 10,000 troops to bases in Gulf countries. This move is believed to be part of a plan to potentially target Iran’s Kharg Island if tensions escalate further. Earlier, orders had already been issued to deploy around 4,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division and about 5,000 Marine personnel to the region.