US has used 'virtually all' of its long-range precision missiles during Iran war, sources say
The dramatic rundown in precision, long-range missiles means US President Donald Trump may have to rely more on riskier, piloted bombing missions if he relaunches large-scale attacks on Iran.
Where: Iran
Exact coordinates
iran: 32.430, 53.690
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What might happen next? AI-generated
These scenarios are written by an AI language model from the headline and summary above. They are not predictions from the newsroom, and they are not evidence of anything. Every one is given a deadline and checked against later coverage, and the score is published on the ledger — including the ones that miss.
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Awaiting deadline 45% Increased Risk and Tactical Shift
Faced with depleted precision munitions, the US military pivots to smaller, more frequent strikes relying on advanced stealth and manned aircraft. This maintains pressure on Iran but raises the risk of miscalculation due to the less precise nature of the attacks.
Watch for: The US Department of Defense announces the deployment of 'Operation Shield' utilizing manned F-35B sorties over Persian Gulf targets. · Iranian state media broadcasts a specific counter-strike response targeting US forward operating bases.
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Awaiting deadline 30% De-escalation Through Negotiation
The strategic limitations force a temporary pause in hostilities. Both sides realize the cost of a prolonged conflict outweighs the immediate gains, leading to back-channel talks mediated by a third party.
Watch for: A joint statement is issued by the US and Iranian envoys agreeing to a 90-day cessation of hostilities. · The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announces an unscheduled, high-level inspection of Iranian nuclear sites.
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Awaiting deadline 15% Full-Scale Escalation via Conventional Ground Invasion
Realizing air superiority is compromised without precision missiles, US leadership decides the only way to achieve strategic goals is a limited ground intervention near a major Iranian port.
Watch for: The US Secretary of Defense announces the activation of 'Forward Deployment Contingency Protocol' in the Strait of Hormuz. · A designated UN Security Council member issues a warning condemning 'unilateral military incursions' in the region.
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Awaiting deadline 10% Strategic Retreat and Diversification
Recognizing the limitations of the existing missile stockpile, the US pivots its immediate strategy away from direct, large-scale kinetic strikes and focuses heavily on proxy warfare and cyber operations.
Watch for: The US State Department announces a new 'Strategic Deterrence Doctrine' focusing exclusively on cyber warfare against Iranian infrastructure. · The US announces the signing of a new, major defense procurement contract with a non-allied nation for advanced missile technology.
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on 2026-08-04. Checked against later coverage after 2026-11-02.
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