Iran has launched hundreds of $20,000 Shahed-136 drones at U.S. bases and regional oil infrastructure since Saturday, forcing American and allied forces to expend expensive interceptor missiles in what military analysts describe as a war of attrition. The drone attacks began following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday.

U.S. and partner forces are using Patriot interceptor missiles costing around $4 million each to counter the drone threat. Kelly Grieco of the Stimson Center said Iran is calculating that defenders will exhaust their interceptors and political will before Iran runs out of drones. The strategy aims to deplete air defense systems rather than achieve immediate destruction of every target.

Reports indicate Qatar's Patriot stockpiles could last only days at the current rate of use. The air defenses of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. Fifth Fleet are absorbing the impact of hundreds of Iranian projectiles. President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over weapons shortages on Truth Social, claiming the U.S. has a virtually unlimited supply of munitions. His statement contradicts reports from military advisors who warn that high-end interceptors are under severe strain.