US Vice President JD Vance has privately raised doubts about whether the Pentagon is presenting an accurate picture of the ongoing conflict with Iran, particularly regarding the status of US missile stockpiles, according to a report by The Atlantic.
The report states that Vance has sought repeated clarification on intelligence assessments and the extent of munitions usage, even discussing the issue directly with President Donald Trump.
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While Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine have publicly insisted that stockpiles remain sufficient and Iranian forces have been significantly weakened, Vance has framed his concerns as part of broader strategic questioning rather than direct accusations.
Citing internal estimates, the report suggests the US may have already expended more than half of certain critical munitions, including missile interceptors and long-range strike systems.
This has triggered concerns about preparedness for other potential flashpoints such as Taiwan, South Korea, or Europe. A study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies also flagged mounting pressure on US inventories.
Despite public assurances, some officials indicated that the administration's optimistic messaging may not fully reflect internal intelligence.
Trump has described US capabilities as “virtually unlimited,” though advisers cited in the report suggest a more cautious internal outlook.
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Meanwhile, Iran is believed to retain substantial military strength, including missile-launching systems and naval assets, continuing to pose risks in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict, initially expected to be swift, has instead turned into a prolonged and uncertain standoff, with diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations yet to gain traction.
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