The Pentagon acknowledges a “shortage of strategic stockpiles” of ammunition after the war in Iran

The United States Department of Defense has acknowledged the existence of an ammunition shortage caused by the Epic Fury military operation against Iran, conducted between February 28 and June 30, 2026. The information appears in a report published Monday by the Pentagon’s Inspector General, after President Donald Trump’s administration denied in recent months that the U.S. military was rationing its missiles and interceptors.

According to the document, the operation cost approximately $33.4 billion, of which $22.3 billion was spent on the munitions used. The expenditure reduced strategic stockpiles and highlighted bottlenecks in the replenishment industry, although the Pentagon took measures to accelerate production.

In June, the U.S. administration rejected reports concerning limits on missile use, while Donald Trump stated that the United States possessed “enormous quantities” or even “practically unlimited” amounts of ammunition. According to the press, the shortage may have contributed to the president’s decision not to order new large-scale attacks on Tehran during the summer.

The report, which analyzes the April–June period, also mentions significant damage suffered by U.S. bases in the Middle East. Iranian attacks damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings and facilities in several countries. Military losses include four F-15 aircraft, one F-35, seven KC-135 tanker aircraft, and up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones.