Washington has quietly informed several European governments that previously agreed weapons shipments are likely to be pushed back, as the ongoing military campaign against Iran continues to consume American munitions at a rate that is straining supply, according to three sources familiar with the communications.
Which countries face delays
The affected nations include countries in the Baltic region and Scandinavia, the sources said, speaking anonymously because the discussions have not been made public. The delayed hardware was purchased through the US Foreign Military Sales programme but has not yet been physically delivered — and those handovers are now expected to slip.
The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment. The State Department directed enquiries to the Pentagon.
Why the pipeline is under pressure
The United States and Israel launched air strikes against Iran on 28 February, and the campaign has since placed mounting strain on American defence production. Some US officials had already voiced concern that the country’s industrial base would be unable to meet simultaneous demand from multiple theatres.
The problem predates the Iran operation. Washington drew down billions of dollars’ worth of stocks — including artillery systems, ammunition and anti-tank missiles — to support Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion, and again after Israel began military operations in Gaza in late 2023.
Since the air campaign began, Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Gulf states. The majority have been intercepted, in some cases using PAC-3 Patriot missile interceptors — the same system Ukraine depends on to shield its energy and military infrastructure from Russian ballistic missile strikes.
For European governments already navigating their own rearmament programmes, the prospect of delayed American deliveries adds a further layer of uncertainty to defence planning at a volatile moment.
