Iran-related U.S. military operations are putting pressure on the Pentagon’s budget and munitions reserves, with estimates cited by The Wall Street Journal indicating costs may be nearing or reaching $80 billion. The report said the spending trajectory raises the risk the Pentagon could run short of operating funds this summer without emergency congressional appropriations, while THAAD and Patriot interceptor inventories have been significantly depleted. The development highlights a dual strain on defense planning: immediate operating costs and the need to replenish high-end missile-defense stocks as Congress advances a defense authorization bill expected to exceed $1 trillion.