The situation surrounding the US military operation against Iran is reaching a critical point due to the rapid depletion of air defense arsenals in the region. According to an internal analysis obtained by Bloomberg, the Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) supply at the US base in Qatar is only four days' supply. Experts emphasize that if the current intensity of hostilities and regular attempts to intercept Iranian ballistic targets continue, the munitions will be completely depleted in the very near future. This threatens the security of not only the US military contingent but also the entire strategic infrastructure of its allies in the Persian Gulf.

Amid dire forecasts of arms shortages, US regional partners have begun to express serious concern. The agency notes that the authorities of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are undertaking active diplomatic efforts to persuade Donald Trump to end the military operation against Iran as soon as possible. The leaders of these countries fear that if the Patriot missiles are completely expended, their territories will be left defenseless against massive Iranian attacks, which have already damaged a number of facilities. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the logistics of promptly delivering new batches of expensive missiles are hampered by the scale of the conflict. With air defense stockpiles dwindling, the White House will be forced to make a difficult decision: either de-escalate or risk the lives of soldiers and the integrity of infrastructure without a reliable air defense.