The U.S. Department of Defense's inspector general confirmed Monday that the war with Iran has led to a munitions shortfall and resupply bottlenecks, contradicting President Donald Trump's repeated claims that the U.S. has 'virtually unlimited' ammunition. The report, released as part of a first-of-its-kind mandatory congressional review, stated that between February 28 and June 30, Operation Epic Fury (OEF) cost an estimated $33.4 billion, with $22.3 billion spent on expended munitions alone. The report noted that the munitions expenditure has resulted in strategic inventory shortfalls and revealed industrial base bottlenecks for resupply.

The report also listed equipment losses, including four F-15s destroyed, one F-35 damaged, seven KC-135 tanker aircraft damaged, and up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones destroyed. The White House has rejected the watchdog's assessment, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly stating that the U.S. military has 'more than enough' munitions. Trump and other administration officials have dismissed reports of shortages as 'fake news' and 'treasonous,' with Trump claiming the U.S. is 'stockpiling and preparing for any contingency that could happen.'

The inspector general's report did not disclose exactly how many weapons remain in stock, but it did note the inventory shortfalls and the 'industrial base bottlenecks' for resupply. The defense department is working to 'streamline procurement processes and production lead times' to address the shortages. A separate estimate by the Congressional Budget Office put the total cost of the war at $38 billion, including replaced expended munitions, equipment lost in battle, increased flying hours, and greater fuel costs.

The report also highlighted that Iranian strikes damaged and destroyed hundreds of buildings and structures at U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan during the conflict. However, the report did not include those costs in the cost estimates, stating it is not yet clear if all the bases will be rebuilt or who will foot the bill. Previous estimates from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicated that stocks of some interceptors, such as the Patriot missile and THAAD, were significantly depleted, in some cases by more than half.

Polls show that the war is unpopular among Americans. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released in early September indicated that only 23% of Americans—and only half of Republicans—believe the U.S. to be in a stronger position with Iran compared with before hostilities broke out. Trump initially claimed the conflict would be over within weeks but has since suggested it might not end until 'right after' the November midterm elections in the U.S. The report provides a first-of-its-kind, independent glimpse into U.S. weapons stockpiles, data that is typically classified.

What remains unknown is the exact number of remaining munitions, the full extent of the damage to U.S. bases, and the long-term impact of the resupply bottlenecks on future military operations. The report does not clarify whether the U.S. will be able to replenish its stockpiles in time for potential future conflicts or how the shortages will affect the broader strategic posture in the region.