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The US is postponing arms deliveries to some European countries due to the war with Iran

The US is postponing arms deliveries to some European countries due to the war with Iran

17 April 2026, 13:03

The US is postponing arms deliveries to some European countries due to the war with Iran — Patriot air defence system units are seen at a military base in this file photo, Poland July 3, 2023. REUTERS Kacper Pempel File Photo

The United States has informed a number of European countries of possible delays in the delivery of weapons already contracted. This is due to the increasing strain on stocks caused by the war with Iran.

US officials have informed certain European partners of possible delays in the delivery of weapons that had previously been contracted. This concerns countries in the Baltic region and Scandinavia, among others.

According to Reuters sources, some of the weapons were purchased by European states under the Foreign Military Sales programme but have not yet been delivered. In recent days, the US side has informed its partners in bilateral communications of a likely delay in deliveries.

The delays are linked to the fact that the war against Iran, which began following US and Israeli airstrikes on 28 February, requires significant quantities of weapons and ammunition. This is affecting US stockpiles.

The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment. The White House and the State Department referred enquiries to the defence department.

European officials note that such delays complicate their situation. Meanwhile, Washington emphasises that the weapons are necessary for operations in the Middle East, and also points to the limited involvement of European countries in the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Under the Foreign Military Sales programme, foreign states purchase American weapons with the approval of the US government and with its logistical support. President Donald Trump’s administration has previously called on NATO allies to increase purchases of American equipment, particularly under this programme.

Delays in arms deliveries have occurred before, causing discontent in European capitals. Some countries are considering the possibility of turning to domestically produced weapon systems.

Since the start of the war with Iran, Tehran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at countries in the Persian Gulf. A significant proportion of these were intercepted, notably using PAC-3 interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems.

Prior to this, the US had already expended significant stocks of weaponry, including artillery systems, ammunition and anti-tank missiles, in support of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip in 2023.

This refers to delays in the delivery of various types of ammunition that can be used for both offensive and defensive operations.

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