US Navy Drains Missile Stockpiles Defending Israel Amid Iran Conflict

Israel is facing critical shortages of ammunition and missile interceptors following a 12-day military confrontation with Iran, with particular strain on its Arrow missile defense system, which is running dangerously low amid repeated Iranian missile barrages. The U.S. Navy, under acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Kilby, is depleting costly SM-3 missile interceptors at an alarming rate to protect Israel from Iranian retaliation, a move confirmed during Senate testimony. These interceptors, costing between $10 million and $30 million each, are being used extensively, though exact quantities fired have not been disclosed. The American military campaign has also extended to Yemen, where bombing efforts have been costly and strategically ineffective but are framed as preparation for potential conflict with China. President Donald Trump is actively working to maintain a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, despite tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over U.S. pressure to halt fighting. Overall, U.S. support remains substantial but has raised concerns about the sustainability of missile stockpiles and the broader implications for American military readiness and global stability.