A new report by US government inspectors general has shed light on the impact of the conflict with Iran on American military operations across West Asia. The assessment points to pressure on advanced weapons stocks, difficulties in replenishing munitions and extensive damage to US military and diplomatic facilities. The report was prepared jointly by inspectors general from the Pentagon, State Department and USAID. It covers the period from April 1 to June 30.
US Weapons Stocks Under Pressure
The report said the conflict has exposed shortages in strategic weapons inventories and bottlenecks in the US defence manufacturing system. Advanced missiles and air-defence interceptors have come under particular pressure as American forces continue operations in the region. Defence experts have estimated that rebuilding some of these stocks to pre-war levels could take years.
Although the Pentagon has maintained that US forces have enough weapons to continue their missions, the assessment highlights the challenges involved in replacing high-end munitions at the required pace.
US Military Bases Damaged Across West Asia
Iranian attacks also caused extensive damage to American military infrastructure, according to the report. Facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Jordan were among those affected, with hundreds of buildings damaged or destroyed.
The US naval logistics facility in Bahrain was particularly affected by missile and drone attacks. The damage forced US Central Command to redirect some supply routes through alternative locations, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Longer supply routes added further logistical pressure to American forces operating in the region.
MQ-9 Reaper Drones Among Military Losses
US military aircraft and drones also suffered significant damage during the conflict. The report said as many as 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones, each worth approximately $30 million, were destroyed or damaged. Several KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft were also damaged, including some that were hit while stationed on the ground in Saudi Arabia.
The losses have added to the pressure on America’s military equipment inventory.
US Diplomatic Facilities Also Damaged
American diplomatic infrastructure across the region was also affected. The State Department reported damage to US facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with combined property losses estimated at around $184 million.
The financial impact extends beyond infrastructure. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress in July that direct military spending linked to the conflict had reached $37.5 billion. The State Department separately reported $113 million in contingency expenses, including nearly $80 million used for emergency evacuations of about 9,000 US citizens from the region.
US Continues Defence Sales To Regional Allies
Despite the pressure on its own weapons inventory, Washington has continued processing defence packages for countries in the region. The watchdog report said the US handled more than $44 billion in emergency and non-emergency defence packages for regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Israel.
The findings underline the broader strain created by the conflict as the US balances ongoing military operations, support for regional allies and the need to replenish its own weapons stocks.
