US fires hundreds of Tomahawks missiles on Iran — why this is now a big concern

The scale of the ongoing conflict in Iran is beginning to raise new questions inside Washington. After weeks of intense military operations, attention is now shifting toward the cost, and the strain, on U.S. weapon stockpiles. Behind the scenes, officials are weighing what the heavy use of high-end missiles could mean for future readiness.

How many Tomahawk missiles have been used?

As the war in Iran enters its fourth week, the U.S. military’s rapid use of Tomahawk missiles is drawing scrutiny. Reports suggest hundreds have already been deployed, prompting quiet concern among some officials about how quickly supplies are being used during the ongoing campaign.


The U.S. military has fired roughly 850 Tomahawk missiles into Iran since the conflict began on February 28, according to reports citing officials familiar with the situation. Many of these strikes were concentrated in the early days of the war, launched from submarines and Navy warships as part of a rapid and intense campaign.

Each missile carries a significant cost, estimated at more than $2 million, highlighting the scale of resources being deployed. Analysts suggest that the number used so far could represent about a quarter of the U.S. military’s total stockpile, as per a report by The Independent.

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Are supplies running dangerously low?

The pace of usage has sparked concern among some Pentagon officials, with reports describing the remaining supply in the Middle East as “alarmingly low.” One official reportedly said stock levels were approaching “Winchester,” a military term used when ammunition is nearly depleted.

Despite these concerns, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell pushed back strongly, stating that the military “has everything it needs to execute any mission at the time and place of the President’s choosing and on any timeline.” He also criticized what he described as media narratives portraying the military as underprepared, as per a report by The Independent.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed that position, saying there is “no shortage of munitions” and that supplies would “sustain this campaign as long as we need to.” Similarly, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt maintained that there was “more than enough munitions, ammo and weapons stockpiles to achieve the goals of Operation Epic Fury laid out by President Trump — and beyond."


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What steps are being taken to replenish stockpiles?

Even as officials publicly express confidence, discussions about boosting production appear to be underway. According to reports, internal conversations have already begun about increasing the supply of Tomahawk missiles.

Estimates from the Center for Strategic and International Studies suggest the Navy may have started the conflict with around 3,000 Tomahawks. If more than 800 have already been used, analysts warn it could create a significant gap in readiness, particularly for other potential conflicts, as per a report by The Independent.

Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the think tank, said such usage “would leave a large gap for a conflict in the Western Pacific” and noted that rebuilding supplies “would take several years.”

In response, President Donald Trump said earlier this month that defense manufacturers, including Tomahawk contractor Raytheon, had agreed to “quadruple production of “exquisite class weaponry…as rapidly as possible.” This move is aimed at ensuring long-term supply while maintaining operational momentum.

The scale of missile usage in the Iran conflict underscores both the intensity of the war and the logistical challenges that come with sustained military operations.

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FAQs

Why are officials concerned about Tomahawk missiles?
Some fear the heavy usage has reduced available stockpiles faster than expected.

What has the Pentagon said about the situation?
Officials insist the military still has enough weapons to meet operational needs.