U.S. military commanders informed Vice President JD Vance that the war with Iran has depleted critical weapons stockpiles, leaving one theater with fewer than 100 Patriot interceptors by late spring. ATACMS and PrSM missiles reached their lowest levels ever during a series of direct calls Vance made to officers in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia over the spring and summer. These assessments indicated that the drain on munitions potentially weakens the U.S. ability to deter Russia, China, and North Korea.

The private briefings revealed a gap between military concerns and public claims of a swift victory, with President Donald Trump privately raging over media reports on the diminished stocks. Vance bypassed the Pentagon to question generals on objectives, tactics, and Iranian intentions in the Strait of Hormuz. He subsequently used these findings to advise Trump and increase his role in efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict.