Gaza Herald – The United States Department of Defense has officially acknowledged a shortage of ammunition linked to the war with Iran, according to a new report by the Pentagon Inspector General. This admission marks a shift from previous statements by the Donald Trump administration, which largely denied such shortages during recent months.
The report estimates that American operations against Iran between February 28 and June 30 cost approximately $33.4 billion. Of this total, $22.3 billion was spent exclusively on ammunition. The document states that high consumption rates during Operation Epic Fury caused deficits in strategic stockpiles.
Furthermore, the findings reveal industrial sector obstacles that hinder the replenishment of ammunition reserves. Despite these challenges, the report highlights measures taken by the ministry to accelerate production rates. These steps aim to address the supply chain issues identified during the conflict period.
In June, media reports indicated that the United States imposed restrictions on missile usage, particularly interceptor missiles. The government denied these claims at the time. President Trump asserted that the country possessed vast quantities of ammunition. By early September, he continued to insist that the US held unlimited supplies.
The Pentagon document notes that despite intensive use of interceptor missiles, Iranian strikes damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings and facilities. These targets included American bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. The infrastructure damage underscores the intensity of the engagement.
The report estimates that more than 50,000 US military personnel participated in the Middle East war. The conflict began on February 28 with joint Israeli-American strikes on Iran. The scale of deployment reflects the significant operational commitment required for these actions.
This official confirmation contrasts sharply with earlier political assurances regarding logistical readiness. The financial and material costs detailed in the inspector general’s review provide a comprehensive overview of the resource expenditure involved in the campaign.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
