U.S. Burns Through Years of Missile Stockpiles in Two Weeks of Iran War

The United States has depleted years' worth of critical weapons including Tomahawk cruise missiles in just two weeks of conflict with Iran, raising concerns about ammunition shortages and mounting political pressure on President Donald Trump.

The Financial Times reported Sunday that consumption of Tomahawk cruise missiles, used for long-range precision strikes, has been particularly rapid.

The Tomahawk cruise missile, manufactured by defense contractor RTX, costs approximately $3.6 million per unit. The U.S. military purchased 370 Tomahawks over the past five years, but the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates that 168 missiles were fired in the first 100 hours following the outbreak of hostilities on the 28th of last month.

"The U.S. Navy will feel the effects of ammunition consumption from this war for years to come," one official warned.

The Pentagon told senators on the 10th that costs exceeded $11.3 billion in the first six days after airstrikes on Iran began, with weapons usage accounting for most of the expenditure.

The Defense Department is expected to request up to $50 billion in additional military spending from the White House and Congress within days. However, passage remains uncertain as Democrats, who have criticized Trump for launching what they call an "illegal war" without congressional approval, continue to push back strongly.

Meanwhile, American public opinion has turned against the military operation. International oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel after Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, and domestic gasoline prices have spiked, fueling antiwar sentiment.

A Washington Post poll of 1,005 American adults conducted from the 6th to 9th found that 42% believe military operations against Iran should stop, compared to 34% who support continuing them.