Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
  • Analysis
    • Research
    • Q&A
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / US-Israel-Iran / War on Iran Will Squander America’s Military Edge
US‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

March 6, 2026

War on Iran Will Squander America’s Military Edge

By Jennifer Kavanagh

Early Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump lashed out at those arguing that the United States would soon run out of missiles to fuel his war of choice in Iran. “The United States Munitions Stockpiles have at the medium and upper medium grade, never been higher or better…Wars can be fought ‘forever,’ and very successfully, using just these supplies…” he posted on Truth Social.

Trump is right about one thing. Lack of U.S. weapons will not be a constraint on the fighting in Iran. Stockpiles are not unlimited, but they are plenty deep to allow the military to fight for as long as Trump chooses. But Trump’s war will still do long-term damage to U.S. military power, creating an extended period of vulnerability that the United States will struggle to overcome.

The Trump administration may believe that its combat operations in Iran are a powerful manifestation of American military dominance, but in the end, this war is likely to accelerate the overdue death of the American imperial project, possibly on terms quite unfavorable to the United States and its allies.

Read at American Conservative

Author

Jennifer
Kavanagh

Senior Fellow & Director of Military Analysis

Defense Priorities

More on Middle East

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Trump’s War of Choice in Iran

By Alexander Langlois

March 6, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Iran has a strategy for defeating the U.S. It might just work

By Daniel DePetris

March 5, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

On NBC News, Daniel Davis discusses Ukraine’s role in U.S.-Iran war

Featuring Daniel Davis

March 5, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Hegseth finds his footing as Epic Fury’s front man

Featuring Rosemary Kelanic

March 5, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

TAC Right Now: The Iran Catastrophe

Featuring Rosemary Kelanic

March 5, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Israel, Israel‑Iran, Middle East

Iran’s secret outreach highlights Trump’s challenge

Featuring Rosemary Kelanic

March 4, 2026

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Research
  • Experts
  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.