The Wall Street Journal reported April 23 that U.S. officials warn heavy use of precision-guided munitions in a war with Iran could create gaps in the U.S. military’s ability to respond to other contingencies, including a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Citing U.S. officials, the paper said American forces have fired more than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles and expended roughly 2,000 key air-defense interceptors, including systems tied to THAAD and Patriot, since the Iran conflict began. Officials estimate it could take up to six years to rebuild those missile inventories.Pentagon planners are reportedly reviewing and discussing adjustments to operational plans for a potential Chinese assault on Taiwan to account for depleted stocks. In a report released April 21, the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated the munitions used in the Iran conflict amount to about 27% of total Tomahawk stocks, two-thirds of Patriot interceptors and more than 80% of THAAD interceptors.Officials warn that if a short-term military clash erupted while inventories remain low, U.S. forces could face operational gaps until missile stocks are replenished.Beijing has set a political goal of asserting full sovereignty over Taiwan by 2049 and has not ruled out the use of force to pursue unification. The WSJ notes China would be a far more formidable adversary for the United States than Iran.Military analysts say a Taiwan defense operation is the riskiest contingency among the Pentagon’s emergency plans. They argue countering China’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) posture—which seeks to keep U.S. aircraft and ships at a distance—depends on a large and ready missile stockpile.Senior U.S. officials, however, told the WSJ they reject claims that recent weapon losses have degraded U.S. readiness or the ability to respond to a short-term conflict with China.Audio: AI dubbing. Reporter/Producer: Lee Jun-heum. #UnitedStates #Iran #Israel #Hormuz #Taiwan #Tomahawk #missiles #THAAD #Patriot #China. For Yonhap TV inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23. Lee Jun-heum (humi@yna.co.kr)
How the U.S. Military's Missile Depletion from Iran Could Impact Taiwan Defense Strategies
Lee Jun-heum | 2026.04.25
The Wall Street Journal reported April 23 that U.S. officials warn heavy use of precision-guided munitions in a war with Iran could create gaps in the U.S. military’s ability to respond to other contingencies, including a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Citing U.S. officials, the paper said American forces have fired more than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles and expended roughly 2,000 key air-defense interceptors, including systems tied to THAAD and Patriot, since the Iran conflict began. Officials estimate it could take up to six years to rebuild those missile inventories.Pentagon planners are reportedly reviewing and discussing adjustments to operational plans for a potential Chinese assault on Taiwan to account for depleted stocks. In a report released April 21, the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated the munitions used in the Iran conflict amount to about 27% of total Tomahawk stocks, two-thirds of Patriot interceptors and more than 80% of THAAD interceptors.Officials warn that if a short-term military clash erupted while inventories remain low, U.S. forces could face operational gaps until missile stocks are replenished.Beijing has set a political goal of asserting full sovereignty over Taiwan by 2049 and has not ruled out the use of force to pursue unification. The WSJ notes China would be a far more formidable adversary for the United States than Iran.Military analysts say a Taiwan defense operation is the riskiest contingency among the Pentagon’s emergency plans. They argue countering China’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) posture—which seeks to keep U.S. aircraft and ships at a distance—depends on a large and ready missile stockpile.Senior U.S. officials, however, told the WSJ they reject claims that recent weapon losses have degraded U.S. readiness or the ability to respond to a short-term conflict with China.Audio: AI dubbing. Reporter/Producer: Lee Jun-heum. #UnitedStates #Iran #Israel #Hormuz #Taiwan #Tomahawk #missiles #THAAD #Patriot #China. For Yonhap TV inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23. Lee Jun-heum (humi@yna.co.kr)
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