Pentagon Report Reveals US Ammo Depletion Amid Iran Conflict

A Pentagon Inspector General's report indicates that the intense use of munitions during the "Epic Fury" military operation against Iran has significantly depleted U.S. strategic reserves. This has prompted the Department of Defense to accelerate production and replenish military stockpiles.

The report contradicts previous statements from President Donald Trump and his administration, who had downplayed or denied ammunition shortages. In June 2026, media reports suggested restrictions on certain missile types, particularly interceptors, due to declining inventory, a claim the Trump administration denied. Trump himself asserted at the time that the U.S. possessed "vast quantities" of ammunition, a stance he reiterated in September 2026, stating the U.S. had "unlimited amounts," despite reports of inventory depletion impacting military decisions post-war.

The Inspector General's report details extensive damage to U.S. military bases and facilities across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan, caused by Iranian strikes. Hundreds of buildings and installations were damaged or destroyed. The report, covering April to June 2026, also documented losses of U.S. aircraft and equipment, including four F-15 fighter jets, one damaged F-35, seven KC-135 refueling aircraft, and up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones.

Over 50,000 U.S. service members participated in the war, which began on February 28, 2026, following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran. The damage extended to U.S. diplomatic buildings in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The operations have notably depleted U.S. capabilities, especially interceptor ammunition, compounded by challenges in the defense industry's ability to rebuild stocks to meet military demands.