Israel has warned the United States that its supply of ballistic missile interceptors is running dangerously low as its war on Iran enters its third week, according to US officials who spoke to Semafor.
Israeli defence systems entered the current conflict already depleted after last year’s fighting with Iran, when large numbers of interceptors were used to block incoming missiles. Iran’s sustained barrage has placed further strain on Israel’s long-range air defence network.
Reports indicate that Iran has also equipped some of its missiles with cluster munitions, complicating interception efforts and accelerating the depletion of Israel’s stockpile.
Washington has been aware of the problem for months. One US official told Semafor, “It’s something we expected and anticipated”
The same official stressed that the United States is not facing similar shortages and retains significant interceptor reserves. The comment comes amid growing concern that a prolonged war with Iran could rapidly drain missile defence supplies.
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It remains unclear whether Washington will transfer additional interceptors to Israel. Previous US military aid packages have included missile defence systems, and any further transfers could place pressure on American inventories.
“We have all that we need to protect our bases and our personnel in the region and our interests,” the US official said, adding that Israel is “coming up with solutions to address” their shortage.
US President Donald Trump recently claimed that the United States possesses a “virtually unlimited” supply of munitions. That claim could not be independently verified.
During a 12-day conflict with Iran last June, the US fired more than 150 THAAD interceptors, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies – roughly a quarter of the US inventory at the time. In the opening days of the current war, Washington also reportedly expended about $2.4bn worth of Patriot interceptors.