US Military Depletes 80% of THAAD Interceptors Amid Iran Conflict, Raising Strategic Concerns

According to a report by CNN citing Pentagon sources, the US military has used approximately 80% of its THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile interceptors during recent confrontations with Iran. This significant depletion has created a serious strategic challenge, causing deep concern among senior Pentagon officials. THAAD, designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, played a crucial role in protecting US forces in the region and successfully intercepted Iranian missiles over Israeli airspace.

Following the latest rounds of conflict, the US military now retains only about half of its Patriot missile interceptors that were available before the fighting began. Senior US commanders have repeatedly warned within the Pentagon that interceptor stockpiles have reached a "dangerously low level," which substantially undermines the US's ability to defend its troops and allies in the area.

This crisis unfolds amid repeated threats from then-President Donald Trump, who warned that the Strait of Hormuz might soon be closed or that Iran would face a severe military strike. In a recent Fox News interview, Trump described the situation as the "largest attack since World War II," though he noted that Iran sought last-minute negotiations to avoid escalation.