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US Spent $5.6B in Munitions in First 48 Hours of Iran Conflict: Report

A Washington Post report reveals the Pentagon expended $5.6 billion in advanced weaponry during the first 48 hours of military operations against Iran, intensifying concerns over stockpile depletion. The estimate has fueled debate over the mission's impact on military readiness, prompting an expected White House request for a supplemental defense budget worth tens of billions. Concurrently, President Donald Trump issued a severe warning to Iran, threatening a response "twenty times harder" if Tehran disrupts oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump framed this stance as protecting global commerce, suggesting such stability is a "gift" to major economies like China.

Key Points: US $5.6B Munitions Cost in 48 Hours of Iran Assault

  • $5.6B munitions cost in 48 hours
  • Readiness and stockpile concerns raised
  • Supplemental defense budget expected
  • Trump warns Iran over Strait of Hormuz
3 min read

US expended USD 5.6 billion in munitions during first 48 hours of Iran assault: Report

Pentagon report reveals $5.6 billion munitions expenditure in first two days of Iran operations, sparking readiness concerns and a pending massive budget request.

"If Iran does anything that stops the flow of oil... they will be hit by the United States of America twenty times harder. - Donald Trump"

Washington, DC, March 10

The Pentagon expended USD 5.6 billion worth of weaponry during the initial forty-eight hours of its military operations against Iran, according to a report by the Washington Post.

The staggering figure has intensified concerns among officials regarding the rapid depletion of the "scarce supply of America's most advanced weaponry."

This estimate, presented to Congress on Monday, has sparked fresh debate over the administration's claims that the mission is not "quickly eroding the US military's readiness."

To sustain the ongoing campaign, the White House is expected to request a supplemental defence budget this week, which could reach tens of billions of dollars.

In response to inquiries from the Washington Post regarding the status of national stockpiles, Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesman, maintained that the department has "everything it needs to execute any mission at the time and place of the President's choosing and on any timeline."

The Washington Post noted that US and Israeli forces will instead pivot toward utilizing "more plentiful stores of laser-guided bombs" as they advance further inland.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has issued a formidable warning to Tehran, asserting that any efforts to impede the transit of petroleum through the Strait of Hormuz will be met with a massive military retaliation.

The President declared that the American response would be significantly more intense than any previous engagements if the vital shipping lane is compromised.

"If Iran does anything that stops the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America twenty times harder than they have been hit thus far," the US President said in a post on Truth Social.

Elaborating on the potential scope of such an operation, Trump indicated that the US military would focus on "easily destroyable" locations. He suggested that such strikes could be so devastating that they might hinder Iran's ability to recover as a nation."Death, Fire and Fury will reign upon them -- But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!" he added.

The US President framed this hardline stance as a move to protect international commerce, specifically highlighting how such stability would serve the interests of major global economies, including Beijing.

"This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated," he added.

This warning comes amidst the broader, ongoing friction involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Despite the heightening rhetoric regarding the Strait, Trump suggested in a separate interview that the current military conflict has reached a decisive stage.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The focus on the Strait of Hormuz is critical for India. A huge portion of our oil imports pass through there. Instability directly impacts our energy security and economy. Hope diplomacy prevails, but the sea lanes must remain open.
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Vikram M
Calling it a "gift to China" is such a strange way to frame a potential war. This isn't a gift, it's a geopolitical necessity for the US. The rhetoric is getting more and more unhinged. Worrying times for the whole region, including us.
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Rohit P
While the US talks about depleting stockpiles, our own defence needs are paramount. This is a reminder why 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defence manufacturing is not just a slogan, it's an urgent necessity. We cannot be dependent on others for our security.
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Priya S
The human cost gets lost in these big numbers and tough talk. "Death, Fire and Fury" – what does that mean for ordinary Iranian families? Or for the sailors from India and other countries just trying to do their jobs on those tankers? Very scary.
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Michael C
As an expat in India, watching this from here gives a different perspective. The immediate economic ripple effects on oil prices and shipping costs will be felt by common people in India long before most Americans notice. Global conflicts have local consequences.
K

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