12/07/2026 15:16 - Internacionales
Since the conflict between the United States and Iran began on February 28, 2026, the world has watched the escalation in the Middle East with deep concern. Following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and the massive funeral on July 9, 2026, tensions reached a new peak when President Donald Trump reiterated on July 10, 2026 that the ceasefire has ended.
In this scenario, with Qatar and Pakistan mediating to reach a nuclear agreement by August 2026, a report by CNN in Spanish revealed that US reserves of key weapons are considerably reduced, which could impact its global military strategy.
The initial phase of the conflict, known as Operation Epic Fury, forced the US Armed Forces to use thousands of long-range precision missiles. According to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), by the time large-scale combat ceased in April, the Pentagon had used:
Mark Cancian, a defense analyst at CSIS, warned that if attacks continue at the recent pace, reserves will shrink enough to generate a higher level of risk in the Indo-Pacific. Currently, the replenishment rate is low: the Pentagon receives about 15 Tomahawk missiles and 20 Patriots per month, and it is estimated it will take more than three years to recover pre-war levels.
Despite the challenges, there are encouraging steps. In June, Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to remove regulatory hurdles and accelerate missile manufacturing. Additionally, during the NATO summit in Turkey, he announced a license for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles locally, a measure that will ease pressure on US production lines amid high global demand.
The conflict's impact is also felt in maritime trade. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell drastically from 110 to just 15-22 vessels daily, leaving about 6,000 sailors blocked. Despite the tension, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell assured that the US Armed Forces are the most powerful in the world and have everything needed to protect their people. Meanwhile, the international community keeps hope alive that diplomacy will achieve an agreement to restore peace.
With information from CNN in Spanish
Alfredo S. Quiroga
