Expert warns US missile stockpiles may not sustain long-term Iran conflict

While the Trump administration is reportedly weighing the possibility of a broader military campaign against Iran, America's ability to sustain such an effort could be constrained by shrinking stockpiles of air defence and long-range missiles, according to Katherine Thompson, a senior fellow in defence and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, as quoted by the New York Post.

"Time is the main factor here. If this goes on for weeks and then we settle into a cease-fire, it could be fine," Thompson told the newspaper.

"But I don't think our munitions are in a great place if this lasts another year or two," she added.

According to Thompson, Saturday's deadly Iranian strike that killed two US service members highlighted America's growing logistical challenges in protecting its roughly 50,000 troops deployed across the Middle East.

"The attacks make it clear that the size of our presence in the Middle East has become more of a liability... and it shows the effect on our stockpiles used to protect that presence, as retaliatory attacks are still coming at an alarming rate," she said.

US continues strikes for 11th straight day

Meanwhile, the US carried out strikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive day, targeting Iranian military operations centres, maritime assets, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities and military logistics infrastructure.

In a post on X, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iran had attacked more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the strategic international waterway over the past three months.

"Over the past three months, Iran has attacked more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the international waterway vital for regional and global trade. The unwarranted attacks have endangered hundreds of innocent mariners and undermined freedom of navigation," CENTCOM said.

Commenting on the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM added: "Despite Iranian aggression, the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessel transit. Since early May, CENTCOM forces have helped facilitate the transit of approximately 900 commercial vessels and 450 million barrels of crude oil."

Pentagon says US remains prepared

Despite concerns over munitions stockpiles, US defence officials insisted the military remains well-equipped to sustain operations.

"We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the US military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests," Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement quoted by the New York Post.

A Pentagon official also told the newspaper that the Department of War is accelerating efforts to strengthen America's defence manufacturing capacity.

"The Department of War is committed to rapidly expanding the defense industrial base by leveraging all available commercial solutions and technologies to ensure our warfighters maintain a decisive advantage," the official said.

"The department is aggressively pursuing and integrating the best of American innovation, wherever it resides, to deliver production at scale and drive resiliency across supply chains," the official added.