Gulf states running low on interceptors amid Iranian strikes
Mar 5th 2026
Gulf governments say interceptor stocks are running low and have urged the US to speed shipments, while drone attacks and staffing gaps at US diplomatic posts complicate regional defense and coordination.
- Gulf Arab states say they are running dangerously low on interceptors to shoot down Iranian-fired missiles.
- Governments have asked the United States to expedite new interceptor supplies and were told Washington is forming a task force to do so.
- Officials say deliveries are not happening as fast as needed and that hundreds of Iranian drones further strain defenses.
- Joint Chiefs chair Gen. Dan Caine said the US has sufficient precision munitions for the task at hand.
- Diplomatic communication is strained because President Trump has not sent ambassadors to several Gulf countries, leaving many missions led by charge d'affaires.
- Kuwait has also been hit from launches out of Iraq, Qatar arrested 10 people suspected of being Iranian agents, and officials warned of risks from sleeper cells and sectarian tensions.