The Pentagon may redirect weapons intended for Ukraine to the Middle East, according to the Washington Post
The Pentagon is considering redirecting some of the U.S. military equipment intended for Ukraine to the Middle East, as the war in Iran is rapidly depleting the U.S. Army’s stockpiles of certain critical ammunition.
This is reported by The Washington Post.
The issue concerns interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems, purchased under the PURL program, which provides for the supply of American weapons to Ukraine using funds from other NATO member countries.
Pentagon officials noted that the department will provide U.S. and allied forces with everything they need, but did not comment on the details of a possible redirection. NATO also did not confirm whether the alliance is aware of such plans or if this is a cause for concern.
Since the start of the U.S. attack on Iran on February 28, European capitals have expressed concerns that the rapid use of U.S. munitions could delay deliveries of systems to Ukraine. The greatest demand currently exists for high-tech interceptor missiles, which are critically important for both the Middle East and Ukraine.
A source at the Pentagon clarified that deliveries under the PURL will continue, but future shipments may not include air defense systems, as the U.S. seeks to replenish its own stockpiles and those of its allies in the Persian Gulf.
Additionally, the U.S. Congress approved $400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine in January 2026 through the USAI program; however, part of the PURL funds had already been used by the Pentagon for other purposes.
According to the latest data, the Pentagon has informed Congress of its intention to redirect approximately $750 million provided by NATO countries through the PURL to replenish the U.S. military’s own stockpiles, rather than for additional aid to Ukraine. At the same time, it remains unclear whether European partners are fully aware of how their funds are being spent.
As a reminder, the U.S. is considering the possibility of a ground operation in Iran, which could begin in the near future.
The Pentagon has refused to release the traditional “Global Posture Review,” which for decades has served as a key tool for budget planning and the assessment of U.S. military policy. Instead, the administration plans to hold only informal consultations with allies and Congress.
