Israel warns US of interceptor shortage as Iranian missile attacks continue: Report

Israel faces interceptor shortage amid Iran war

Israel has warned the United States that it is running critically low on ballistic missile interceptors as its conflict with Iran intensifies, raising concerns about the sustainability of its air defence capabilities amid continued missile attacks. The development reported by Semafor, citing US officials familiar with the matter.

According to the report, Israeli officials informed Washington earlier this week that the country’s supply of long-range interceptors, used to destroy incoming ballistic missiles, is nearing a critical level. Israel had already entered the current war with limited stocks after expending a significant number of interceptors during last summer’s confrontation with Iran.

The strain on Israel’s missile defence systems has grown as Iranian attacks have continued over recent weeks. Some reports suggest Iran has begun equipping its missiles with cluster munitions, a development that could further complicate interception efforts and accelerate the depletion of defensive stocks.

One US official told Semafor that Washington had been aware of Israel’s interceptor shortage for some time. “It’s something we expected and anticipated,” the official said, indicating that the situation had been closely monitored by American defence planners.

Despite the concerns surrounding Israel’s defences, US officials sought to reassure that the American military itself is not facing similar shortages. The same official emphasised that the United States still has sufficient supplies to maintain its own defensive operations in the region.

“We have all that we need to protect our bases and our personnel in the region and our interests,” the official said, adding that Israel is “coming up with solutions to address” their shortage.

It remains unclear whether Washington might eventually provide additional interceptors to Israel, either through direct transfers or new military aid packages. Such a move could place additional pressure on American stockpiles, particularly if the conflict drags on longer than expected.

Israel’s air defence network relies on several systems designed to counter different types of threats. While the Iron Dome system is widely known for intercepting short-range rockets, longer-range threats are typically handled by more advanced interceptor systems designed to neutralise ballistic missiles before they reach populated areas.

The issue of interceptor supplies has also drawn attention to broader questions about the availability of US missile defence assets. Analysts have previously warned that American stockpiles could face strain during prolonged conflicts. During a 12-day war with Iran last year, the United States reportedly fired more than 150 THAAD interceptors — believed to represent roughly a quarter of its inventory at the time — according to estimates by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has sought to downplay concerns over munitions supplies. Earlier this month he said the United States possesses a “virtually unlimited” stockpile of weapons, even as defence analysts have long argued that inventories are lower than the military would ideally maintain.

Speaking on Friday, Trump also suggested that the current war could continue for as long as necessary. “It’ll be as long as it’s necessary,” he said when asked about the duration of the conflict. “They’ve been decimated. The country’s in bad shape. The whole thing is collapsing.”

While the White House has insisted that US military capabilities remain strong, the growing demands of the conflict have underscored the logistical challenges facing both Israel and the United States as the war with Iran continues.