The United States has used up most of its supply of long-range precision missiles during its five-month war with Iran, according to people familiar with the data. The reported drawdown has fueled concern that a key part of the U.S. military arsenal has been stretched to a dangerous level.

At the center of the issue is readiness for any new crisis that could emerge while stockpiles are low. Precision long-range missiles are considered important for striking distant targets with accuracy, so a major reduction in available inventory can affect how quickly the military could respond elsewhere.

The sources cited in the report say the depletion has been severe, suggesting that the conflict with Iran has placed unusual pressure on weapons inventories. That has renewed attention on how fast the United States can replace advanced munitions once they are used in large numbers over an extended war.

The reported shortage also highlights a broader challenge for modern militaries: maintaining enough high-end weapons for prolonged conflicts while keeping reserves for other potential confrontations. As the war continues, questions are likely to remain over how the U.S. balances current operations with future deterrence and defense planning.