US THAAD arsenal nearly 80% depleted as Iran talks progress: Report
A report indicates that the US military has depleted nearly 80% of its THAAD interceptor stockpile amid ongoing tensions with Iran. While diplomatic discussions regarding the Strait of Hormuz are reportedly progressing, concerns remain regarding the readiness of US air defenses in the Middle East.
Why it matters
The depletion of critical missile defense assets could impact US strategic deterrence and the security of regional allies in the Middle East.
The US military has used nearly 80 per cent of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (Thaad) interceptors since the start of the war with Iran. Senior military commanders have warned that Pentagon munitions stocks are “dangerously low”.According to a CNN report citing two sources familiar with the latest inventory figures, the US has used nearly four-fifths of its Thaad missile inventory compared with pre-war levels, along with roughly half of its Patriot interceptors. The depletion of the Thaad stockpile has not previously been reported.The center for strategic and international studies estimates that the US had around 2,200 Patriots and 452 Thaad missiles before the war.The shortage has also raised concerns among Gulf allies that reduced US air-defence stocks could weaken their ability to respond to potential Iranian missile and drone attacks if US president Donald Trump decides to escalate the conflict.Earlier, Trump told Fox News that Washington and Iran…
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