The Pentagon’s Inspector General reported a strategic inventory shortfall of munitions after the US expended over $22bn in the first four months of Donald Trump’s war on Iran. The report contrasted with claims by Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that no shortage exists, marking the first official acknowledgment of the shortfall. It cited bottlenecks in solid rocket motor production, high-grade explosives and propellants, and skilled labour recruitment.

The war damaged 22 US aircraft and helicopters, up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones, and struck hundreds of buildings across US bases in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. American diplomatic facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE suffered approximately $184mn in damage. After the US Navy’s Mideast headquarters in Bahrain was hit, the Navy had to use distant hubs like Diego Garcia, creating 14- to 18-day logistics cycles.

From February 28 to June 30, the conflict cost $33.4bn, with $22.3bn in munitions and $3.7bn in equipment losses. Hegseth said the war has cost $37.5bn so far. The White House has requested over $67bn in supplemental funding, including $21bn for munitions.