US Army Faces Critical Tungsten Shortage Amid Ongoing Iran War

April 4, 2026 – The United States military is reportedly facing a serious crisis as its tungsten reserves may soon be depleted.

According to a report by Foreign Policy magazine Tungsten, a vital metal used in weapons and military equipment, is now at risk of running out due to unprecedented ammunition use during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Why Tungsten Matters

Tungsten is essential for several critical military applications:

• Penetrating bullets used in combat.
• Warheads for cruise missiles.
• Parts for jet engines due to tungsten’s high density and heat resistance.

The metal’s unique properties make it irreplaceable in many US defense systems. Without sufficient tungsten, the effectiveness of the US military could be drastically reduced.

Excessive Consumption During Iran Conflict

The report highlights that the Pentagon had underestimated ammunition use over the past five weeks of the Iran war. The intense military operations have accelerated the consumption of tungsten-based ammunition far beyond predictions.

Analysts now warn that the United States is at risk of “complete depletion” of its strategic tungsten reserves if the current pace of operations continues.

Potential Global Implications

A shortage of tungsten could severely impact US military capabilities. Experts warn that if another conflict arises in regions like East Asia or Europe, the US may struggle to respond effectively. This crisis exposes vulnerabilities in US defense planning and supply chain management.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to maintain strong defensive capabilities, highlighting the limitations of US military power in the current conflict. Tehran’s strategic resilience has forced the US to expend vast amounts of ammunition, putting its resources under extreme stress.

Strategic Observations

Military analysts suggest that the ongoing war has demonstrated how a resource-dependent military can be strained by high-intensity conflicts. Iran’s defensive measures, combined with careful strategic planning, have created unexpected challenges for the United States.

This development also raises questions about the US military’s preparedness for simultaneous global operations, as resource shortages could limit its operational reach.