US has used ‘virtually all’ of its long-range precision missiles in Iran war, sources say

Three sources familiar with US military data claim that the US has nearly exhausted its stockpile of long-range precision missiles during its five-month war with Iran. The primary weapons involved are the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). According to two of the sources, the US has used "virtually all" of these weapons, a fact not previously reported.

ATACMS and PrSM are crucial for accurate long-range strikes, and the newer PrSM is set to replace the ATACMS, which has a shorter range. Each missile costs over $1 million. The sources declined to specify the remaining number of each type of munition. President Donald Trump initiated the Iran war in February jointly with Israel, anticipating a short conflict.

However, as the war continues, concerns have emerged that dwindling missile supplies might hinder the US's ability to deter adversaries, including Russia and China. Although Central Command had almost depleted its land-based missiles before the war, it managed to replenish from global US military supplies. The White House stated that the US possesses "far more munitions than anyone in the world," emphasizing that production is at an all-time high.

However, analysts caution that supplies might fall short of what is required for a prolonged war. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, manufacturers of the ATACMS, PrSM, and related weapons, did not respond to questions about Trump's statements or supply levels. The Pentagon spokesman, Sean Parnell, affirmed America's military superiority and readiness.

The supply concerns arose as the administration decided to avoid riskier strikes using piloted aircraft against Iranian targets.