WASHINGTON: The United States military exhausted a substantial portion of its advanced missile inventory during a seven-week military campaign against Iran, according to a new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), raising questions over long-term readiness for potential peer-level conflict.
The findings, reported by the Washington-based publication The Hill, indicate that the operation placed considerable strain on US stockpiles of high-end munitions, including missile defence systems and precision strike weapons. The assessment has sparked renewed debate over Washington’s preparedness for a possible confrontation with China.
According to the CSIS study released on Tuesday, American forces used nearly 50 per cent of their Patriot interceptor missiles during the campaign. In addition, more than half of Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptors were deployed, alongside over 45 per cent of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs).
The report further states that the conflict saw the expenditure of more than 20 per cent of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs), over 30 per cent of SM-3 interceptors, and at least 10 per cent of SM-6 missiles during what was described as Operation “Epic Fury”.
Analysts also cautioned that rebuilding depleted inventories, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and JASSMs, could take between one and four years. These systems are considered critical for potential high-end warfare scenarios, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
The CSIS authors warned that even prior to the Iran operation, US stockpiles were already judged insufficient for sustained combat against a near-peer adversary. They argued that the recent depletion has further deepened this shortfall, and that restoring adequate reserves for a potential conflict with China would require significant time and investment.
While the report suggested that the United States would still retain enough munitions to continue limited operations against Iran, it cautioned that current levels would be inadequate for prolonged engagement with a major military power.
In response to concerns, the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which led the operation, stated that forces are actively rebuilding capacity during the ceasefire period. In a public statement, CENTCOM said its forces “remain ready”, emphasising ongoing adjustments to tactics and operational procedures.
Speaking alongside Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the military was in a phase of rearming and restructuring. “We are rearming, we’re retooling, and we’re adjusting our tactics, techniques and procedures,” he stated.
U.S. Central Command forces remain ready… pic.twitter.com/ddkfNDQ6k7
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 21, 2026
He added that the US military’s ability to adapt was unmatched, saying, “There is no military in the world that adjusts like we do, and that is exactly what we are doing now during the ceasefire.”
Separately, US President Donald Trump reportedly met leading defence contractors in March, after which he called for a fourfold increase in the production of what he described as “exquisite class” weapons systems.
Responding to the CSIS findings, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the military’s overall capability, asserting that the United States remained fully equipped to carry out any required missions.
“The US military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute missions at the time and place of the President’s choosing,” he said.
Parnell further noted that recent operations demonstrated efficiency in the use of naval assets, claiming that less than 10 per cent of American naval power was sufficient to manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that multiple successful operations had been conducted since the current administration took office, while maintaining a strong stockpile of capabilities. He dismissed concerns over munitions levels, calling such warnings “ill-informed and dishonourable”.
Meanwhile, Pentagon comptroller Jules “Jay” Hurst said the administration was planning to extend multi-year procurement contracts for munitions up to seven years in order to stabilise supply chains and encourage sustained industrial investment. The move is part of a wider proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget.
The CSIS report authors, Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park, concluded that once Operation Epic Fury concludes, naval forces deployed to the Middle East would return to the Pacific theatre. They added that while stockpiles would gradually recover, restoring and then expanding them to desired levels would take several years.
