Trump Warns Allies of Weapons Delays Amid Iran War

The United States Department of Defense has notified several European and Asian allies, including the United Kingdom, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Norway, that they should expect serious delays in the delivery of American-made weapons. These shortfalls, which affect HIMARS rocket launchers, NASAMS surface-to-air missiles, Patriot interceptors, and Tomahawk cruise missiles, are the result of depleted stockpiles during a two-month military campaign in Iran. The shortages also impact Ukraine's efforts against Russia.

To compensate for the depletion, Washington is relocating weapons from global bases, including the Indo-Pacific, which may further postpone deliveries to Japan and South Korea. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee that replenishing these stores could take months or years, contributing to a requested budget increase of nearly 50%. Donald Trump announced that military companies have agreed to quadruple the output of critical systems, though analysts suggest scaling production may take up to two years.

The logistical crisis coincides with diplomatic friction. President Trump criticized NATO as a "paper tiger" and accused European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, of refusing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Following disputes with Chancellor Merz over the conduct of the war in Iran, Trump announced the withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany. A senior Pentagon official estimated the Middle East conflict has cost the U.S. $25 billion.