Full story
Munitions Strain
Multiple reports have raised concerns about U.S. military readiness after five months of war with Iran, with Reuters first to report the U.S. Army has gone through "virtually all" of its surface-to-surface Army Tactical Missile Systems and Precision Strike Missiles.
“virtually all" of its surface-to-surface Army Tactical Missile Systems and Precision Strike Missiles”
The National Desk said those weapons are used to launch accurate strikes while keeping a safe distance from the target, and it added that a shortage could necessitate "more dangerous methods of attacking the enemy," according to experts.
The National Desk also reported that a Pentagon spokesperson responded to the report by saying the military has everything it needs to execute orders from the president, and it quoted President Donald Trump saying, "We have plenty."
In the same reporting, CNN was cited for saying the military burned through about 80% of interceptors for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted that the report was "NOT TRUE."
Competing Claims
Haaretz reported that U.S. used "Virtually All" its long-range missiles during its Iran war, describing the missiles as the Army's surface-to-surface weapons known as Army Tactical Missile Systems and Precision Strike Missiles.
The National Desk said a Pentagon spokesperson responded to the report by stating the military has everything it needs to execute orders from the president, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a social media post that the report was "NOT TRUE."
The National Desk further quoted President Donald Trump saying, "We have plenty," and it added that he also said, "I’d like to have more, to be honest," in the context of stockpile concerns.
In late July, the National Desk reported that Hegseth made an urgent plea to senators for more than $67 billion in supplemental funding for the rest of the fiscal year, warning that without the funds "we face critical shortfalls" that could threaten pay, replenishment, and operations.
The National Desk also cited Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., saying he spoke with Hegseth about the issue Wednesday morning and quoting Scott’s view that "The ayatollah, wherever the hell he is, wants to destroy us," as part of a broader threat framing.
Iran Readiness
While U.S. reporting focused on munitions and interceptors, Mehr News Agency quoted Iran’s Army Force Spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia saying Iran’s Army Force is "fully prepared" to confront enemies with "utmost power and strength."
“Iran’s Army Force Spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia has said that the Army Force of the country is fully prepared”
Mehr News Agency said Akraminia emphasized that the Army Force is continuously advancing operational readiness through modernization of damaged systems, induction of new equipment, and reliance on domestic capabilities.
The Mehr News Agency also reported that the spokesman said delivery of new equipment enabled restructuring of the Army’s combat assets in line with current operational requirements.
Akraminia told Mehr News Agency that entering new arenas of warfare could be one of Iran's strategic options, and he added that "other strategies exist that will be revealed at the appropriate time."
In the U.S. reporting, The National Desk described a Center for Strategic and International Studies analysis that said "Operation Epic Fury has exacerbated this munitions problem," and it said a multiyear rebuild now looms ahead.
