In a recent development, Pentagon officials have voiced serious concerns over the rapid depletion of the United States’ Tomahawk missile stockpiles, just a month into the conflict with Iran. So far, the U.S. has deployed 850 Tomahawk missiles, each priced between $2 million and $3.6 million, depending on its type. These missiles are highly valued for their capability to hit targets up to 1,000 miles away without endangering pilots. The dwindling supply has sparked quiet discussions within the Pentagon due to the challenges associated with producing these cruise missiles. According to an insider who spoke to the Washington Post, the reserves are worryingly low, nearing a state known as ‘Winchester,’ which is military slang for running out of ammunition. While details of the total stockpile remain classified, only a limited number of Tomahawks—57 to be precise—were acquired last year, as noted in the defense budget.

Amidst the ongoing military operations, officials are considering the possibility of reallocating Tomahawk missiles from other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific, to the Middle East to sustain the offensive against Iran. These missiles have been a cornerstone of American military power since their inaugural use during the Gulf War under President George H. W. Bush. However, their extensive deployment in the current conflict has led some Pentagon leaders to express concerns over the diminishing stock. In response to these worries, the Pentagon issued a statement to the Daily Mail, refuting the anxiety expressed by unnamed officials.

“The Department of War is fully equipped to carry out any mission at the President’s discretion and on any schedule,” stated Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. Alongside this assurance, discussions are underway to boost production to meet the growing demand for these missiles. Military strategists are closely monitoring the usage rate of the Tomahawks and calculating the necessary quantities not only for the Iran conflict but also for other potential engagements. These missiles enable the U.S. military to communicate via satellite, allowing them to hit pre-designated targets or find new ones in real-time using GPS technology. Additionally, they can hover over battle zones with onboard cameras providing live footage of ongoing strikes to military commanders.

Many were fired in the opening days of Operation Epic Fury, including one which struck an elementary school, leaving 165 people dead, in the Iranian city of Minab. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that the US has taken control of Iranian airspace, meaning that aircraft can fly in place of the sophisticated missiles and drop gravity bombs. But this still carries risk. A US F-35 stealth fighter was struck over enemy airspace last week and was forced to make an emergency landing at a US base in the Middle East. The Pentagon has also fired more than 1,000 air-defense interceptor missiles in response to Iranian retaliatory strikes across the region, including from the Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems. These are some of the most advance in the world and the US also has a limited stockpile of these munitions, which cost far more than the cheaper missiles and drones fired by the Islamic regime.

The depleting inventory of missiles could cause headaches for the administration in a prolonged campaign with Iran as it tries to force open the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil and gas prices. Oil prices climbed higher on Friday after two Chinese vessels were blocked from transiting the Strait , indicating that Iran is dug-in for the fight. International benchmark Brent crude futures rose 2.8 percent to $111 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate futures pushed higher by 2.7 percent to $97. Donald Trump appears to understand the importance of building out the US’ arsenal of high-end weapons . Just a week into the war, the President invited executives from the largest US defense manufacturers to the White House for a meeting. Trump confirmed that the companies agreed to ‘quadruple’ production of the ‘exquisite-class’ weaponry, including hypersonic missiles and others with high-precision, long-range capabilities, like the Tomahawk cruise missile.

RTX, a prime US defense contractor whose executives attended the White House meeting, is the sole manufacturer of the weapons. They are made at a plant in Tucson, Arizona, and are used by some US allies, like the UK and Australia. Tomahawks have been used to strike targets deep within Iran’s borders without putting US soldiers at risk, while Iran has been forced to use much of its ballistic missile inventory to strike back. Though just how many ballistic missiles Iran has to counterattack remains a mystery, multiple sources told Reuters on Friday. They told the outlet that the US can only determine with certainty that it has destroyed one-third of the Islamic Republic’s arsenal. The condition of another third of Iran’s ballistic missiles is more hazy, but officials believe they are likely buried under rubble, damaged or destroyed.