Congress confronts new questions about US stockpiles, Iran firepower

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed concerns about U.S. munitions stockpiles during congressional hearings, but lawmakers like Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Sen. Richard Blumenthal questioned his claims, citing intelligence reports that Iran retains 70 percent of its prewar missile stockpile and launchers. Republican senators expressed mixed confidence, while experts warned of deeper operational risks due to reduced missile inventories and the Pentagon’s $1.5 trillion budget request for restocking." "article": "Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced skepticism from lawmakers on Tuesday and Wednesday over claims that U.S. munitions stockpiles remain strong amid the conflict with Iran. During hearings before House and Senate appropriators, Hegseth rejected concerns about dwindling supplies, stating that the military has ‘plenty of what we need.’ However, Democratic senators like Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) dismissed his reassurances, calling them ‘ludicrous’ and citing credible reports of stockpile strain. Intelligence assessments contradicted the Trump administration’s assertions that Iran’s missile capability had been destroyed, revealing that Tehran still possesses roughly 70 percent of its prewar missile stockpile and mobile launchers. Blumenthal emphasized that Iran retains over 1,000 missiles, raising doubts about Hegseth’s public stance. Republican senators offered more cautious support. While Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) claimed stockpiles are ‘comfortable’ and will be replenished, others like Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) acknowledged that munitions are ‘getting spent down’ and acknowledged the need for vigilance. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, noted that Army stockpiles are ‘under extreme strain.’ Expert analysis from Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies confirmed that U.S. munitions inventories are reduced, particularly for shorter-range ground attack missiles. These require deeper penetration into adversary defenses, increasing operational risks. A recent U.S.-China wargame highlighted vulnerabilities in current stockpile levels. Hegseth’s statements clash with the Pentagon’s $1.5 trillion budget request for next fiscal year, which allocates billions to restock missiles and interceptors. The discrepancy underscores ongoing tensions between administration claims and congressional concerns over readiness and sustainability in the conflict.