The United States is experiencing a shortage of ammunition tied to its ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a report from the Defense Department’s inspector general. This represents a departure from assertions by former President Donald Trump, who maintained that U.S. munitions supplies remained ample despite the fighting.

The inspector general’s report, submitted to Congress on Monday, provides a financial overview of Operation Epic Fury (OEF), the U.S.-led campaign conducted jointly with Israel aimed at undermining Iran’s military capabilities. Between February 28 and June 30, the campaign incurred an estimated cost of $33.4 billion, including $22.3 billion spent specifically on munitions that were expended during operations.

The report highlighted that the high rate of munitions consumption has created significant shortfalls in strategic inventory, exposing vulnerabilities in the defense industrial base’s ability to replenish supplies quickly. It identified production bottlenecks and noted that expanding manufacturing capacity requires considerable lead times.

To address these challenges, the Pentagon is working to accelerate procurement procedures, reduce production lead times, and build stockpiles of essential materials, components, and certain munitions. However, the report cautioned that these measures will take time to fully implement.

The reported ammunition shortfall has raised concerns among allied governments, including Ukraine, which relies heavily on U.S. weapons supplies in its ongoing conflict with Russia. This development could potentially impact the availability of military aid to other global partners.

Throughout the six months of conflict, President Trump has consistently downplayed fears about depleted U.S. weapons reserves, asserting that the country maintains “virtually unlimited” ammunition. The inspector general’s report offers the first official confirmation that logistical strains and inventory deficits are affecting operational capabilities.