The United States’ extensive use of advanced weaponry in the war against Iran has severely depleted military stockpiles, with European inventories of PAC-3 Patriot interceptors and ATACMS surface-to-surface missiles described by some officials as “beyond critical.” Planners say the drain has forced U.S. European Command to adjust operational plans and has limited Washington’s ability to deter threats from China and Russia. Officials assessed that the United States could not fully execute short-term contingency plans to defend Taiwan, while shifts of air-defense units from Japan, South Korea and Germany have created posture “soft spots” that could take years to refill. THAAD interceptors and counter-drone systems have also been redirected to the Middle East, further reducing supplies elsewhere and restricting Western transfers of interceptors to Ukraine. The Iran conflict has consumed about 1,500 of 2,330 U.S. Patriot interceptors, or roughly 65% of the inventory, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, even as production is slated to rise toward 2,000 missiles a year by 2030 and Europe’s first Patriot plant is expected to open in Germany. The White House and Pentagon deny munition scarcity, saying the military retains enough resources for President Donald Trump’s objectives, while NATO and U.S. officials have disputed claims that European defenses are insufficient.