The United States is reportedly considering diverting air defence missiles originally meant for Ukraine to the Middle East as the Iran war rapidly drains American stockpiles. Patriot and THAAD interceptors funded under NATO’s Ukraine program could now be redirected to defend US and allied assets in the Gulf. The Pentagon is facing a staggering burn rate, with billions spent in weeks and missile consumption far exceeding production capacity. Reports suggest hundreds of interceptors were fired in just days, putting pressure on already stretched inventories. Washington has also requested a massive supplemental budget to replenish missile stocks, signaling a potential shift in US military priorities from Ukraine to the Middle East conflict.

 In the heart of the Mediterranean and now shifting toward the Persian Gulf, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is on the move. As of February 13, 2026, the Pentagon has officially ordered this nuclear-powered titan to the Middle East, a decision that significantly escalates the American military footprint in an already volatile region as President Trump issues the 30-day ultimatum regarding Iran's nuclear program