Reports reveal that Israel has informed the United States that its interceptor missile stockpile is nearly depleted while Iran is developing cluster warhead missiles, which increase challenges to air defense systems.
On 16 Mar 2026 GMT+7, foreign news agencies reported that Israel has told the U.S. it is facing a severe shortage of ballistic interceptor missiles amid ongoing conflict with Iran.
This report was published by the startup news agency Semafor last Saturday, citing U.S. officials as sources. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar denied the report in an interview with reporters.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that Iran has begun equipping certain missiles with cluster munitions, which release multiple submunitions upon reaching their target. Such weapons are considered a new challenge for Israel’s air defense systems because they disperse explosives widely, increasing potential damage.
The Israeli military stated that on Sunday it launched airstrikes in Iran targeting missile and drone bases. Simultaneously, Iran fired missiles in retaliation at Israel. Israeli local media reported that at least six people were injured in attacks in the central region of Israel.
Sources: Semafor / NHK