Khaberni - American officials have informed their European counterparts of a delay in the delivery of armament deals, which places European capitals in a critical situation.
Five informed sources mentioned that American officials have informed some of their European counterparts that the delivery of part of the contracted weapon shipments is likely to be delayed, as the ongoing war in Iran continues to deplete weapon stockpiles.
The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the secrecy of the communications, said that several European countries would be affected, including Baltic and Scandinavian countries.
The sources added that European countries purchased some of the concerned weapons under the Foreign Military Sales program, but have not yet received them. The sources reported that American officials have informed European officials in bilateral messages in recent days that those shipments are likely to be delayed.
The White House and the Department of State referred inquiries in this matter to the Department of Defense, which has not responded to a request for comment.
These delays highlight the impact of the Iran war, which has depleted U.S. supplies of some essential weapons and ammunition. The war started with American-Israeli air strikes on February 28.
European officials complain that these delays put them in an awkward position.
Under the Foreign Military Sales program, foreign countries purchase U.S.-made weapons with logistical support and approval from the U.S. government. Washington, under President Donald Trump's administration, pressured its European allies in NATO to buy more U.S.-made equipment in an effort to shift the burden of traditional defense from the United States to European partners.
However, the delivery of these weapons often experiences delays, causing dissatisfaction in European capitals. Increasingly, some officials are turning to weapon systems made locally in Europe.
American officials say these weapons are essential for the war in the Middle East and hold European countries responsible for not assisting the United States and Israel in opening the Strait of Hormuz.
Even before the war in Iran, the United States had already withdrawn billions of dollars worth of weapon stockpiles, including artillery systems, ammunition, and anti-tank missiles, since the start of Russia's special operation in Ukraine in 2022 and Israel's military operations in Gaza in late 2023.
Since the start of the campaign against Iran, Tehran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones, most of which have been intercepted, including Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles that Ukraine, for example, relies on to protect its energy and military infrastructure from ballistic missiles.
The sources spoke on condition of not disclosing the names of some of the countries affected by the decisions. Some of these countries share borders with Russia, thus information about the pace of weapon delivery could be sensitive from a defensive standpoint.
