US delays arms shipments to Europe as Iran conflict depletes military stockpiles

The United States has informed its European allies that it is postponing scheduled arms deliveries under existing contracts as the ongoing conflict with Iran continues to deplete American military stockpiles.

Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the delays affect a broad geographic area, including the Baltic and Nordic nations. The military hardware subject to the revised delivery schedules reportedly includes both offensive and defensive weapon systems.

A portion of the equipment that will not be delivered on time was procured through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This mechanism allows foreign governments to purchase American military hardware with the formal approval and logistical support of the US government.

During Donald Trump’s presidency, the White House actively encouraged European NATO allies to increase their acquisitions of American military equipment, specifically promoting the use of the FMS program.

However, frequent delays in shipments through this channel have fueled growing dissatisfaction across Europe. This friction is increasingly driving continental powers to evaluate options for prioritizing domestic defense production over American imports.

European officials speaking to Reuters emphasized that the US-led disruptions have placed their national defense strategies in a difficult position. In response, US officials argued that military capacity is currently essential for the war effort in the Middle East. Furthermore, Washington has accused its European partners of being reluctant to assist in operations aimed at unblocking the Strait of Hormuz.

According to reporting by the Washington Post, the Pentagon is currently considering the diversion of weapons originally earmarked for Ukraine to the Middle East due to the sustained hostilities with Iran. The equipment being weighed for redirection reportedly includes anti-aircraft missile systems.

A European official warned that such a shift would directly impact near-term deliveries intended for Ukraine within the next one to two months.

Another source cited by the newspaper pointed out that American forces are consuming ammunition stockpiles at an accelerated rate, raising serious questions regarding the long-term sustainability of continued military assistance.

US weapon shipments to Ukraine are managed through the Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program, which has been in effect since July 2025.

Through this mechanism, the administration in Kyiv secures approximately 75% of the missiles required for its Patriot air defense systems, as well as nearly all the ammunition used by the country’s other various defense platforms.

Current data shows that approximately $4 billion has been allocated for weapons procurement under the PURL program to date.