The US is facing mounting costs as it races to replenish its stocks of missiles and missile interceptors that it used in the early stages of the Iran war.A report released this week by the Congressional Budget Office found that the war had cost at least $38 billion as of August 1. The biggest single expense came from firing missile-defence interceptors and munitions, which it said will leave the US with a reduced inventory "for several years".The CBO accounting found the war could have far-reaching consequences for US defence and the domestic economy.The shortfall in critical munitions, including missile interceptors, could hamper the Pentagon's response in the event of another major conflict, such as any hostilities involving China and Taiwan, the CBO noted.The US has been firing Patriot and Thaad interceptors to protect its troops and allies from Iranian missiles and drones in the Middle East.A Pentagon inspector general's report acknowledged "strategic inventory shortfalls" and industrial bottlenecks for resupply.According to an analysis by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the number of Patriot interceptors fell from 2,330 at the start of the conflict to fewer than 850 by the end of July. Thaad stockpiles, meanwhile, dwindled to about 250 from 452."Diminished stockpiles may force the United States and its coalition partners to take more risks with inter...
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