Khaberni - The Wall Street Journal reported that the war on Iran cost the US military large amounts of ammunition, prompting discussions within President Donald Trump's administration about Washington's ability to execute emergency plans to defend Taiwan if a Chinese invasion of the island occurs in the near future.
According to officials, since the outbreak of the war on Iran on February 28, the United States has launched more than 1000 long-range "Tomahawk" missiles, in addition to between 1500 and 2000 vital air defense missiles including "THAAD" and "Patriot" missiles.
They added that replenishing this stockpile might take about 6 years, prompting officials in the Trump administration to discuss adjusting current operational plans regarding Taiwan in anticipation of a possible presidential order to defend it.
The estimates provided by the newspaper clarify that the depletion of defensive munitions was particularly significant, raising concerns about a temporary gap in American defensive capabilities if a parallel crisis with China erupts in the Pacific region.
Washington's Deterrence Capability
The report conveys clear division within the American administration, with some officials believing that the United States can reduce the duration of replenishing its ammunition stockpile by accelerating military production and investing in its defense industrial base.
Admiral Samuel Paparo, the commander of US forces in the Pacific, testified before Congress that the war with Iran provides the military with valuable combat experience, noting that he currently sees "no real cost" to his country's ability to confront China.
In this regard, White House spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt denied the narrative about a gap in US defensive capabilities, stating "the entire premise of this story is wrong," affirming that the United States has "the strongest military in the world, and sufficient stockpiles of weapons and ammunition to carry out any military operation directed by the president."
Likewise, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the military "has everything it needs" to conduct military operations at the time and place chosen by Trump.
Warning of Decreasing Stockpiles
Conversely, a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies warned of a decline in US ammunition stockpiles, estimating that the munitions used in Iran account for about 27% of the "Tomahawk" missile inventory, more than two-thirds of "Patriot" interception missiles, and over 80% of "THAAD" interception missiles.
The US Department of War is hastening to increase military production, pressing companies like Lockheed Martin and "RTX" to accelerate the pace of manufacturing missiles and ammunition, as part of a broader plan to rebuild the US military arsenal.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the confrontation with China will be more complicated than the current war with Iran, given Beijing's growing nuclear, missile, and naval capabilities, as well as the possibility of imposing a naval blockade or launching a large-scale amphibious attack on Taiwan.
This debate continues while Trump hints at resuming his military campaign against Iran if an agreement ending its nuclear program is not reached.
