Washington, March 3 (SANA) - The United States faces mounting concerns over the sustainability of its air defense systems and interceptor stockpiles as military tensions with Iran intensify, The Washington Post reported, citing U.S. defense officials and congressional sources.
According to the newspaper, senior military leaders are increasingly worried that a prolonged confrontation could rapidly deplete key missile defense inventories, placing additional strain on U.S. operational readiness across the region.
Rising consumption rates
Officials told the Post that interceptor missiles are being used at a faster-than-anticipated rate. In many cases, two or even three interceptors are required to neutralize a single incoming missile, accelerating the drawdown of strategic reserves.
The report described internal discussions at the Pentagon as tense, with concerns extending beyond personnel risks to include the long-term sustainability of U.S. air defense capabilities, particularly if fighting continues for weeks.
Congressional warnings
Democratic Representative Adam Smith, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, warned that U.S. military resources are being consumed rapidly. He cautioned that any expanded campaign against Iran would further strain already limited munitions supplies.
Smith reportedly stressed that signaling weakness in missile defense capacity would not be an option, arguing that depleted inventories could undermine Washington's ability to protect both its forces and regional allies.
Operational complexity
The Washington Post also cited military sources describing a surge of missile and drone launches following the announcement of the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Dozens of projectiles were reportedly directed toward U.S. and allied positions in the region.
Officials are said to be concerned about the widening scope of targets, including sites in Arab countries, as well as the potential for command-and-control fragmentation following the loss of senior Iranian commanders.
According to the report, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine warned the White House that limited munitions supplies -- combined with uneven allied military support -- could increase operational risks and expose U.S. forces in the region to greater danger.
Drone threat complicates defense
Despite the presence of significant U.S. naval and missile defense assets in the region, including multiple destroyers equipped with advanced interception systems, the Post highlighted the tactical challenge posed by Iranian "Shahed" drones. Flying at low altitudes and relatively slow speeds, such drones can evade traditional air defense systems designed primarily for faster ballistic threats.
While U.S. and allied forces have intercepted the majority of incoming projectiles, some missiles and drones reportedly penetrated defenses, including strikes targeting a U.S. naval facility in Bahrain.
The report noted that President Donald Trump has signaled readiness for a sustained military campaign against Iran, indicating that intensive U.S. strikes could continue for several days to achieve stated objectives.