The Atlantic: Vance concerned over US missile stockpiles amid Iran war assessments

 U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has repeatedly questioned Pentagon assessments of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, expressing concern in private meetings about the state of American missile stockpiles, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Two senior administration officials told The Atlantic that Vance has challenged the Defenсe Department’s reporting on the war and raised doubts about whether the extent of U.S. munitions depletion has been fully reflected in official briefings. He has also discussed the issue directly with President Donald Trump, according to multiple individuals familiar with the matter.

Officials and advisers cited in the report say the use of key weapons systems—including missile interceptors used for defenсe against Iranian strikes, as well as long-range offensive systems such as Tomahawk and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles—has significantly reduced U.S. stockpiles. They warn that these same reserves would be critical in the event of potential conflicts involving China, North Korea, or Russia.

The report also notes that American stockpiles have been strained by ongoing military support for Ukraine and Israel, alongside production constraints that have slowed replenishment efforts. A study cited from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank, suggests the U.S. may have used more than half of its prewar inventory of several key munitions.

Pentagon officials have previously warned that such shortages could affect the U.S. military’s readiness in a high-intensity conflict scenario.

While concerns over munitions supply have been raised within the administration, one senior official told The Atlantic that President Trump remains satisfied with the information provided by the Defenсe Department.

According to sources, Vance has been cautious not to directly criticise Pentagon leadership, but individuals close to him believe he views the official assessment of the war as overly optimistic and potentially misleading to the president.

By Sabina Mammadli