作者： admin

Israeli officials have issued an urgent warning to the United States regarding critically depleted stocks of ballistic missile interceptors as the military confrontation with Iran extends into its third consecutive week, according to U.S. officials who spoke with Semafor.

The current conflict finds Israel’s air defense networks already strained from previous engagements with Iran last year, during which substantial quantities of interceptors were deployed to neutralize incoming missile threats. The persistent barrage from Iranian forces has placed unprecedented pressure on Israel’s long-range defense capabilities, creating one of the most significant logistical challenges of the ongoing hostilities.

Complicating Israel’s defensive operations, intelligence assessments indicate that Iran has modified certain missiles to carry cluster munition payloads, presenting more complex interception scenarios that accelerate the consumption rate of defensive munitions. This tactical evolution has further exacerbated the depletion of Israel’s interceptor inventory.

Washington has monitored this developing situation for several months, with one U.S. official confirming: “This development aligns with our earlier projections and anticipations.” The same official emphasized that while Israel faces critical shortages, the United States maintains robust interceptor reserves without comparable supply constraints. This assurance comes amid growing concerns that prolonged regional conflict could rapidly diminish missile defense resources across allied nations.

The potential transfer of additional interceptors to Israel remains uncertain. While previous U.S. military assistance packages have included comprehensive missile defense systems, any further allocations could impact American strategic inventories. The U.S. official stated that American forces “maintain all necessary resources to safeguard our bases, personnel, and interests within the region,” adding that Israeli authorities are “developing innovative solutions to address their supply challenges.

Recent assertions by former President Donald Trump regarding America’s “virtually unlimited” munitions capacity could not be independently verified. Historical data reveals that during a 12-day confrontation with Iran in June, U.S. forces deployed over 150 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors—approximately one-quarter of the then-current inventory. In the initial phase of the present conflict, Washington reportedly expended Patriot interceptors valued at approximately $2.4 billion.

International responses to U.S. President Donald Trump’s appeal for a multinational naval coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz remained notably non-committal on Sunday, as escalating Middle East tensions continue to disrupt global oil supplies. The strategic waterway, typically handling 20% of worldwide oil exports, has become a focal point in the ongoing Iran conflict.

Despite Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s expressed confidence in China becoming “a constructive partner” in reopening the vital shipping lane, no concrete commitments emerged from the nations contacted. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that Tehran has granted passage to vessels from “different countries” while maintaining the strait’s closure to U.S. and allied ships.

The diplomatic stalemate persists amid Araghchi’s firm stance against negotiations with Americans, citing coordinated U.S.-Israeli attacks on February 28 that occurred during indirect nuclear talks. The foreign minister explicitly stated Iran has “no plan to recover” enriched uranium damaged in last year’s attacks.

European and Asian responses reflected cautious deliberation. U.K. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized that ending the war represents the “best and surest” solution, while South Korea’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged it would “closely coordinate and carefully review” the situation. France previously discussed potential international escort missions with European and Asian partners, though only when “circumstances permit.”

The International Energy Agency announced emergency measures to stabilize markets, increasing its planned oil stock release from 400 million to nearly 412 million barrels—described as “by far the largest ever” collective action. Asian members will release stocks immediately, with European and American reserves following from late March.

Regional violence intensified with Gulf Arab states reporting new missile and drone attacks, following Iran’s unprecedented threat against United Arab Emirates ports. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE activated defense systems against incoming projectiles, while Iran accused the U.S. of launching strikes from Emirati territory—a claim both U.S. Central Command and UAE officials denied.

Humanitarian costs mounted across the region, with the International Committee of the Red Cross reporting over 1,300 fatalities in Iran alone, including 223 women and 202 children. Israeli authorities confirmed 12 deaths from Iranian missile strikes, while at least 13 U.S. military personnel have perished—including six in a recent Iraq plane crash. Lebanon’s Health Ministry documented 820 fatalities since Hezbollah began strikes against Israel, displacing approximately 800,000 people amid severe weather conditions.

Military analysts note Iran’s evolving tactics, including use of cluster bombs capable of evading air defenses and striking multiple locations simultaneously, as evidenced by damage across 23 sites in central Israel and Tel Aviv.