U.S. officials have informed European counterparts that previously agreed arms shipments may be delayed due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, according to reports from Reuters.
Five anonymous sources cited by the agency indicated that several European nations, particularly in the Baltic region and Scandinavia, could be affected as the war continues to deplete U.S. weapon stocks.
Some of the arms in question were purchased by European countries through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, but have yet to be delivered. The sources noted that U.S. officials anticipate these shipments will face delays.
The White House and State Department have referred inquiries to the Pentagon, which has not provided comments on the matter.
Reuters reported that these delays underscore the impact of the conflict, which began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, on U.S. reserves of critical weaponry and munitions.
European officials have expressed concerns that these delays place them in a difficult position. Under the FMS program, foreign nations procure U.S.-manufactured arms with logistical support and approval from the U.S. government.
During Donald Trump’s presidency, Washington urged NATO partners to increase their purchases of American-made weapons through the FMS program, aiming to shift the burden of European defense from the U.S. to its allies.
However, frequent delays in arms deliveries have led to frustration among European capitals, where some officials are increasingly considering European-made weapon systems.
U.S. officials contend that the arms are essential for operations in the Middle East and have criticized European nations for not assisting the U.S. and Israel in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Prior to the conflict with Iran, the U.S. had already significantly depleted its weapon stocks, including artillery systems and munitions, amounting to billions of dollars since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Israel’s military operations in Gaza that began in late 2023.
Since the onset of the campaign against Iran, Tehran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Gulf nations, most of which have been intercepted, including by PAC-3 Patriot missile systems, which Ukraine relies on to protect its energy and military infrastructure from similar threats.
The sources did not disclose the names of the countries impacted by the arms shipment delays, citing that some are bordering Russia, making the frequency of arms deliveries sensitive defense information.
Among the delayed shipments are various munitions that could be utilized for both offensive and defensive purposes.
Reports indicate that U.S. military expenditures on munitions exceeded $5 billion within the first two days of the conflict with Iran.
In early April, Trump warned European allies that the U.S. would halt arms supplies to Ukraine under the PURL program if they did not participate in operations to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, the Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is considering redirecting critical military equipment intended for Ukrainian forces to the conflict in Iran.
On March 28, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. is not redirecting arms purchased by NATO countries for Ukraine to the Middle East, although he did not rule out the possibility.
U.S. officials have announced potential delays in arms shipments to several European nations due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, impacting military readiness in the region. The situation highlights the strain on U.S. military resources amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Source: Reuters