US munitions depletion in Iran threatens Taiwan defense capabilities: WSJ

• The Wall Street Journal reports that munitions shortages stemming from the Iran war could hinder the US defense of Taiwan.
• The US military has fired over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles and up to 2,000 air defense missiles since the conflict began.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, US officials are warning that the rapid depletion of munitions during the ongoing war with Iran could hamper the United States' ability to defend Taiwan against a potential Chinese invasion.

Massive missile expenditure

The scale of the US military's munitions depletion has raised significant alarms within the Defense Department. US officials cited in the report revealed that the military has launched more than 1,000 long-range Tomahawk missiles since the outbreak of hostilities with Iran.

Additionally, forces have fired between 1,500 and 2,000 air defense missiles during the same period to intercept incoming threats.

Read more: US could face missile shortage in next War: CSIS analysis

Replacement timeline and diverted stockpiles

The massive expenditure has created a critical logistical challenge. Officials estimate that fully replacing the ammunition consumed in the Iran war could take up to six years, leaving a prolonged window of vulnerability in other strategic regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific.

To mitigate the immediate shortfall, the Pentagon is reportedly taking drastic measures. According to the officials, the Defense Department is currently diverting missiles that were originally designated for European nations and redirecting them into US Army stockpiles.