Reuters: US may delay weapons deliveries to Europe due to Iran conflict

The United States has informed some European allies that deliveries of previously contracted weapons are likely to be delayed as ongoing military operations related to the conflict in Iran are depleting US stockpiles, according to Reuters.

The agency reported, citing five sources familiar with the matter, that US officials communicated the potential delays to European counterparts in recent days through bilateral channels.

The issue is expected to affect several countries, including the Baltic and Nordic states. Some of the weapons in question were purchased under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme but have not yet been delivered.

Officials said the shipments are now likely to be postponed due to pressure on US defence inventories caused by continued military activity following the escalation of the Iran conflict, which reportedly began with US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28.

European officials quoted in the report expressed concern that the delays could leave them in a vulnerable position, particularly amid ongoing security challenges in the region.