The massive expenditure of U.S. munitions in the ongoing war with Iran is sparking serious concern among Asian allies and frustrating Pentagon officials, who fear the prolonged conflict could severely undermine America's readiness for a potential confrontation with China.
More than 30 Navy ships that were supposed to be stationed in the Pacific have instead been redirected to the Middle East during the war, according to a U.S. official, who said the toll has been especially heavy on naval resources. This month, the Japan-based USS George Washington was diverted to the Middle East to relieve pressure on the USS Abraham Lincoln, further straining America's presence in the region at a time when Beijing continues to escalate military pressure.
The weapons drain has become a growing source of tension inside the administration, reportedly straining the relationship between President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, though Trump has repeatedly denied that U.S. weapons stockpiles are running low.
According to defense analysts, the U.S. has already used more than half of some critical weapons stockpiles, including nearly a third of its Tomahawk missile inventory, since the war in Iran began. Experts warn that even before this conflict, America's stockpiles were already considered insufficient for a potential war with China, and are now stretched even thinner.
Officials say it could take one to five years just to rebuild depleted inventories to pre-war levels, leaving a dangerous window of vulnerability as tensions with Beijing continue to rise.