The US Department of Defense's ammunition stockpile has fallen to dangerously low levels, but no new contracts have yet been signed to replenish it. On the same day, the House of Representatives again rejected a resolution to end the war with Iran, clouding prospects for a swift conclusion. Iran's parliament is reviewing a bill to place a bounty of around 75 billion won on the assassination of US President Donald Trump, prompting analysts to say tensions between the two nations have reached a critical threshold.
NBC News reported on Tuesday, citing two US officials, that "the Department of Defense has not yet signed a new contract to replenish stockpiles." Instead, the department is pursuing a plan to rapidly secure 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles over the next three years. The missiles will be operated in container form, allowing them to be mounted on various platforms including vehicles, with each unit expected to cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the move comes in response to the United States having depleted thousands of cruise missiles and various munitions in this year's war with Iran. A US Defense Department official said, "The new missiles will complement existing Tomahawk cruise missiles and expand America's strike capabilities."
On the same day, the resolution to end the war with Iran was defeated in the US Congress by a single vote. According to Reuters, the Democratic-led war powers resolution was rejected in the House by a 212-212 tie. A majority is required for passage. The same resolution has been rejected seven times in the Senate.
Democrats argued that under the US Constitution, only the legislative branch can declare war, meaning President Trump must obtain congressional approval to use military force against Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran's parliament is reviewing a bill that would pay 50 million euros (approximately 75 billion won) to any individual or group that kills President Trump. Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of parliament, said in an interview with state television that lawmakers had prepared multiple bills related to "response measures by the military and security forces."
"Just as our leaders and commanders were martyred, the US president is a target that all Muslims and free people must confront," Azizi said. "America's evil president, the ominous and shameful Zionist prime minister, and the commander of Central Command will be targeted and face corresponding measures."
