US Considers Diverting Ukraine Air Defenses to Iran War

The United States Department of Defense is considering redirecting critical air defense interceptors, specifically PAC-3 Patriot missiles, from Ukraine to the Middle East to replenish stockpiles depleted by a war with Iran. U.S. Central Command reports hitting over 10,000 targets inside Iran since February 28, with some reports indicating that U.S. and allied forces fired over 1,000 PAC-3 interceptors in the first 11 days of the conflict—exceeding the total provided to Ukraine since 2022.

The potential diversion includes weapons purchased by European allies through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program. To manage the shortage, the Pentagon may reallocate approximately $750 million from PURL to replenish U.S. stocks. President Donald Trump expressed openness to the move, stating that the U.S. frequently shifts equipment between countries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio further notified European NATO allies at a G7 meeting on March 27 that deliveries to Ukraine could be disrupted as the U.S. shifts its focus toward Iran.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and spokesperson Allison Hart have maintained that equipment continues to flow to Ukraine, though Rutte declined to confirm if the Pentagon is formally reviewing the redirection. European officials, including EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, warned against abandoning Ukraine, while President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for air defenses to protect energy infrastructure from Russian attacks. Meanwhile, the U.S. is evaluating further options to pressure Iran, including high-pressure bombing campaigns and ground force deployments, should nuclear negotiations fail.