Former U.S. Air Force Colonel: Iran May Hold the Advantage in a Long Conflict

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Cedric Leighton said Iran may have an advantage over the United States in sustaining a long conflict because Iran still has large weapons stockpiles, while the United States is consuming high-end precision-guided munitions that could take years to replenish. According to Jin10, Leighton said Iran still has large stockpiles of missiles, drones, and rockets, and estimated that Tehran still retains about two-thirds of its original weapons stockpile despite months of U.S. strikes. Leighton added that although U.S. strikes have destroyed command-and-control centers, weapons systems, and military infrastructure, they have not reduced Iran's ability to keep attacking. He cited an estimate that more than 1,400 Patriot interceptors may have been used so far in the conflict with Iran, and said that if the figure is accurate, U.S. defenses in other regions could become vulnerable while stockpiles are replenished.