After a month of conflict in Iran, the US faces a silent crisis in its weapons stockpile. The intense use of Tomahawk missiles and dependence on inputs from China to manufacture them threaten the American strategic advantage over Beijing and Moscow in 2026.
What is the main risk to American military stocks?
The rate of firing exceeded production capacity. In just one month of war in Iran, the US launched more than 850 Tomahawk missiles, a volume equivalent to years of accumulated manufacturing. Currently, the Pentagon buys only about 90 missiles of this type per year, which creates a gap between what is used on the battlefield and what factories can deliver.
How does China benefit from this situation?
The manufacture of advanced missiles depends on 18 critical minerals and rare earths, essential materials for precision and resistance systems. China dominates the global processing of these inputs. If supply chains are disrupted by conflict in the Middle East, the US could run out of basic materials to replenish its arsenal, strengthening China’s long-term industrial and strategic position.
How does the conflict in the Middle East affect the war in Ukraine?
Ammunition shortages sparked an alert in Kiev. President Volodymyr Zelensky fears that the depletion of American reserves will stop sending military aid to the Ukrainians. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already admitted that, if necessary, Washington will give absolute priority to its own stocks and missions of national interest, which could leave allies in the background.
Why does Russia see an advantage in the duration of this clash?
For Vladimir Putin’s government, a long war in Iran is doubly beneficial. First, because it raises the prices of oil and gas, Russia’s main sources of wealth. Second, because the physical and financial exhaustion of the US in the Middle East reduces the American capacity to sustain simultaneous fronts of military support, such as the defense of Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
What does the US government say about the gun shortage?
Officially, the Pentagon denies any weakness. Spokespeople say the armed forces have everything necessary to carry out the president’s orders within the planned time. They call reports of shortages biased, even though independent analysts and industrial production data indicate that the supply of long-range weapons has never been more stressed.
Content produced based on information gathered by the Gazeta do Povo team of reporters. To access the full information and delve deeper into the topic, read the report below.
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