12:39 02-03-2026

US Speeds Up Iran Operation Amid Missile Shortage

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The US is intensifying its military operation against Iran as missile interceptor reserves shrink, raising concerns over base security in the Middle East.

The United States is accelerating its military campaign against Iran as its stockpile of missile defense interceptors rapidly declines, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing senior officials and military analysts.

According to the newspaper, U.S. commanders are concerned that a prolonged conflict could leave American and allied bases in the Middle East exposed to large-scale retaliatory strikes from Tehran. While the exact size of U.S. surface-to-air missile reserves remains undisclosed, the intensity of combat operations is said to be depleting supplies at a swift pace. Sources familiar with the situation estimate that current interceptor inventories may last only two to three weeks.

The report indicates that Washington is moving quickly to dismantle Iran’s missile and drone capabilities before running short of the defensive systems needed to counter potential counterattacks.

Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, told the newspaper that supply chains supporting air defense units are under serious strain. She noted that interceptor stocks are being consumed faster than they can be replenished, highlighting the imbalance between usage rates and production capacity.

At the same time, President Donald Trump has stated that the military operation against Iran could continue for about a month. He said the campaign had been planned as a roughly four-week effort and maintained that the timeline remained unchanged, despite describing Iran as a strong country.

Trump also asserted that the operation is proceeding according to plan. He left the door open to renewed negotiations with Tehran and did not rule out halting strikes if Iran were to meet the conditions set by the United States.