Tuesday, September 15, 2026

The US Department of Defense inspector general disclosed Monday that American ammunition stockpiles have been significantly depleted by the ongoing war with Iran.

In an unprecedented mandatory report to Congress, the inspector detailed that Operation Epic Fury (OEF) incurred an estimated $33.4 billion in costs between February 28 and June 30, with $22.3 billion attributed solely to expended munitions.

The report highlighted “strategic inventory shortfalls” and “industrial base bottlenecks” hampering munitions resupply efforts.

Equipment losses documented include four F-15 fighters destroyed, one F-35 damaged, seven KC-135 tanker aircraft damaged, and as many as 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones destroyed.

President Donald Trump has consistently downplayed concerns over dwindling weapons reserves, recently claiming the US maintains “virtually unlimited” ammunition supplies. On Monday, he reiterated on Truth Social that America is producing “more Exquisite and Elite Weapons than at any time in our History.”

CNN previously reported that shortages of long-range guided missiles and air-defense interceptors had hampered Trump’s strategic approach, with the military having consumed “nearly 80%” of its THAAD interceptor stock.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that over 1,000 targets were struck during the first 24 hours of the conflict against Iran — a scale of attacks not repeated in subsequent months.

The report also noted that “Iranian strikes damaged and destroyed hundreds of buildings and structures at US bases” across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan, though it excluded these damages from cost estimates pending clarity on reconstruction plans and funding.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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