Washington, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The United States has used “almost all” of its missile interceptors and a majority of its Tomahawk missiles during the Iran war, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy has warned, saying depleted weapons stocks have left the country and its allies in a vulnerable position.
Murphy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, made the remarks as the Pentagon seeks an additional $67 billion in defence funding, part of which would be used to replenish weapons expended during nearly five months of fighting.
“We have used up almost all of our interceptors, the majority of our Tomahawks,” the Connecticut senator told NBC News’ “Meet the Press”.
He warned that the depleted stockpiles could affect US deterrence against Russia and China. “We have put the United States in a dangerous position,” Murphy said, adding that the situation could allow Moscow and Beijing to consider actions they might previously have regarded as unlikely.
President Donald Trump has acknowledged that US munitions supplies vary by category, saying some weapons remain in virtually unlimited supply while others are more constrained.
Murphy said he would oppose additional defence funding while the war continued, but would support money to rebuild the arsenal once the conflict ends. He also called for an end to the war and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, saying he was willing to accept an unfavourable agreement to stop the fighting and ease pressure on Americans from higher prices.
Republican Senator Jim Banks offered a contrasting assessment, defending Trump’s military campaign. Banks claimed US forces had destroyed 85 per cent of Iran’s ballistic missiles and damaged its defence industrial base while preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He also credited the US naval blockade with severely damaging Iran’s economy.
Meanwhile, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said the US Navy was escorting vessels out of the Gulf. He said Washington had boosted domestic oil production and waived the Jones Act to facilitate the movement of Gulf-produced oil to the US coasts.
Hassett said prices remained higher than desired but could fall significantly once the Gulf situation is resolved and the measures taken by the administration begin to take effect.
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