US used most THAAD interceptors during Iran conflict

The United States used about 80 per cent of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors during the recent conflict with Iran, CNN reported, citing two informed sources.

The report said nearly half of the Patriot missile defence interceptors deployed before the conflict were also expended. Earlier, Reuters and CBS News reported that the US had used a significant portion of its stockpile of long-range precision missiles during the war.

According to CNN, concerns over dwindling missile inventories and the risk of Iranian retaliation against US allies in the Middle East contributed to President Donald Trump’s decision to abandon plans for a broader strike on Iran’s critical infrastructure.

The Pentagon and the White House rejected suggestions that US military readiness had been weakened.

“The United States military is the most powerful force in the world,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said, while White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the US retained sufficient stocks of missiles, ammunition and weapons to meet its strategic objectives.

SKS