White House Delays Weapons Deliveries to Europe as Iran War Drains Stockpiles

The Trump administration is delaying weapons deliveries to European allies as its war with Iran strains stockpiles already depleted by support for Israel. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A US flag flies near the dome of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, February 25, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The White House has begun delaying weapons deliveries to some European allies as its military stockpiles are strained by its ongoing war with Iran, according to officials familiar with the matter. According to Reuters , Trump officials have informed several European counterparts that previously contracted deliveries are likely to be postponed as the war continues to draw down supplies, five sources said. The communications were not public, and the sources spoke on condition of anonymity. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The delays are expected to affect multiple countries, including in the Baltic region and Scandinavia. Some of the weapons were purchased under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program but have not yet been delivered. The White House and the State Department referred questions to the Pentagon, which did not respond to requests for comment. The situation highlights the extent to which the war with Iran, which began with US-Israeli airstrikes on Feb. 28, has put pressure on key US weapons reserves. American stockpiles have been gradually depleted in recent years – first due to military aid to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, then through supplying Israeli forces attacks on Gaza since late 2023, and more recently from Trump’s direct confrontation with Tehran. A particular shortage has emerged in air defense systems. Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones toward Gulf countries, prompting the US to use large numbers of PAC-3 Patriot interceptors – the same systems considered critical for Ukraine’s defense against Kremlin ballistic missile attacks and for European countries seeking to deter Russia. Other Topics of Interest ‘Help Me!’: Family’s Anguish Over African Lured into Russia-Ukraine War The case of many hundreds of Africans lured to fight for Russia against Ukraine is highlighted. The delays have triggered frustration in European capitals, where officials say the situation is putting them in a difficult position. Some are already calling for a shift toward relying solely on European-made weapons. For years, Washington has urged NATO allies to purchase US-made arms. Now, European officials say, the United States is struggling to meet its own commitments. White House officials have criticized Europe for what they describe as insufficient support in the Middle East, arguing that weapons are needed there as European countries have not done enough to help the US and Israel reopen the Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran closed the channel in response to attacks by Washington and Tel Aviv. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.