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  • Commentary
  • America is Running Out of Margin in Iran

    External Publication

    September 21, 2026

    John Calabrese
    John Calabrese

    Defense and Security, US Policy in the Middle East, Iran

    The consequences of the war with Iran are now showing up far beyond the Middle East. U.S. Patriot missile stocks in Europe are reportedly “beyond critical,” with the U.S. having burned through roughly 65% of its Patriot interceptor inventory during the conflict, while the Pentagon is extending Middle East deployments into 2027 and maintaining roughly 50,000 troops in the region, alongside 19 warships and other assets.

    Read More in Modern Diplomacy

    Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jaron Wills via DVIDS


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