US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth asserted during the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore that the United States is fully prepared to restart military action against Iran if necessary. Speaking at the annual gathering of defense officials from around 45 countries, Hegseth dismissed concerns about America’s military readiness, emphasizing the US remains 'more than capable' of engaging in further operations. A new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) revealed that three critical US missile systems—Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot air defense interceptors, and THAAD missile defense systems—were heavily utilized in recent conflicts and could take at least three years to fully replenish. The report noted that while current stockpiles may suffice for near-term scenarios involving Iran, depleted inventories create vulnerabilities in potential Western Pacific conflicts. The CSIS study identified manufacturing capacity and production timelines as the main obstacles, stating that 'the problem today isn’t money; it’s time.' Researchers warned that even with the Trump administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, which includes increased spending on advanced weapons, vulnerabilities could persist for years before stockpiles return to desired levels. The findings underscore a broader challenge for US military preparedness, particularly in regions where missile systems play a pivotal role. Despite Hegseth’s confidence in US capabilities, the report suggests a prolonged recovery period for critical defense assets, raising questions about long-term operational readiness.