US army says 55 commercial vessels redirected amid its blockade against Iran

The US Department of Defense is urging weapons companies to accelerate missile production to replenish supplies depleted during the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. The push for faster delivery began last week and is part of a broader plan initiated prior to the war. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg sent a letter to industry leaders, giving them 21 days to submit plans for enhanced production and quicker delivery of key weapons.

He emphasized that long development timelines are no longer acceptable, stating that the nation must expedite its programs and boost production capacity immediately. Recent fighting with Iran has significantly reduced missile interceptors, with Patriot interceptors falling from 2,330 to between 759 and 827, a 65% drop since the war began.

THAAD interceptors have also plummeted from 452 to between 232 and 262, a 38% decrease compared to pre-war levels. While some supplies have been restored, they remain at least 38% lower than pre-conflict levels. The shortage could force the US and its allies to take greater risks with air defense, potentially increasing the likelihood of a missile successfully reaching its target.

President Trump has denied reports of a missile shortage, claiming the US possesses vast quantities of weapons, with more being manufactured and dispatched as required.