US report admits to munitions shortage due to Iran war

A Pentagon inspector general report has confirmed ammunition shortages resulting from the Iran conflict, marking the first official disclosure to Congress. The report, released on Monday, reveals that "Operation Epic Fury" led to strategic inventory shortfalls due to high ammunition consumption. The Department of Defense is addressing this issue by improving procurement procedures, reducing production lead times, and stockpiling crucial materials and selected munitions.

The report, covering April 1 to June 30, estimates the mission's cost at $33.4 billion, with over $22 billion spent on expended munitions, making it the highest expenditure. CNN and the Washington Post had reported on dwindling stocks, citing sources familiar with the matter. The focus was primarily on long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot interceptor missiles, which Ukraine urgently needs.

The report did not offer further details on these weapons. The issue of ammunition stocks has been politically sensitive since the war's onset in late February. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have both rejected and countered claims of ammunition shortages, with Trump threatening legal action against those spreading such reports.