[ExI] I hate to say it but, I agree with Trump

[John Clark]

On Fri, Sep 4, 2026 at 11:31 AM <spike at rainier66.com> wrote:


*>> thanks to Donald's idiotic Iranian war, American anti-missile missiles
>> are now in serious short supply….*
>
>
>
> *> How do you know that? *
>

*I know that because of a skill I managed to pick up when I was five, I
learned how to read.*


> *> Do you have access to top secret inventories? *
>

*Army bureaucrats may stamp "top secret" on those inventories but doing so
is about as silly as the movie "top secret" because **there is no practical
way of keeping something like that secret. But I do have access to your
favorite AI, Grok:  *

*ME: Is it true that because of the Iran war the US supply of anti-missile
missiles have been significantly reduced?*

*GROK: "**Yes. Reports from multiple sources indicate that U.S. stocks of
key anti-missile interceptors have been significantly reduced due to the
ongoing Iran conflict (often referred to as starting around late February
2026).*

Analyses from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS),
along with reporting based on sources familiar with internal data from
outlets including Reuters, CNN, AP, The New York Times, and others,
consistently describe substantial drawdowns of Patriot and THAAD
interceptors used for air and ballistic missile defense:

   - *Patriot interceptors*: Pre-war inventories were estimated around
   2,200–2,330 of the more modern variants. By mid-to-late 2026 assessments
   (covering roughly February–July and subsequent fighting), r*oughly 65%
   had been expended* in some estimates, leaving fewer than ~850 (or in the
   759–827 range in certain CSIS updates). Some reports note over 1,000–1,500
   used overall.
   - *THAAD interceptors*: Pre-war estimates were around 450–452. Stocks
   were reported *at least 38% lower* (remaining in the roughly 234–278
   range after some limited replenishment), with other sourcing citing higher
   depletion figures in the 50% range or more in certain periods.

These systems have been heavily used to intercept Iranian drones, ballistic
missiles, and related threats against U.S. forces, bases, and partners in
the region. Usage rates early in the conflict were particularly high,
though they later moderated. *Production has not kept pace*—Patriot output
was in the hundreds per year (with major expansion contracts now in place
aiming much higher), and THAAD production was lower (around 96/year
previously, also being ramped up). Rebuilding to pre-war levels is
projected to take years (often cited as 2–4+ years depending on the
munition and production ramp-up).

*Related offensive long-range precision munitions (e.g., ATACMS, PrSM, and
substantial Tomahawk usage) have also been heavily drawn down—“virtually
all” of certain Army surface-to-surface types* according to some
sources—but the question focuses on anti-missile (defensive interceptor)
systems.

Exact inventories are classified, so public figures rely on open-source
budget data, procurement history, reported usage, and anonymous
officials. *Administration
statements have sometimes downplayed shortages *or emphasized overall
munitions capacity and production increases, while officials and analysts
have flagged readiness concerns for potential other contingencies (e.g.,
involving China or Russia). *The depletion is real and widely reported as a
significant effect of the conflict*.

*>> …Depending on the specific model of Iranian drone used, they have a
>> range of between 600 and 1550 miles….*
>
>
>
> >* I see,*
>

*> No, I don't think you do *


> *> and you postulate that they will use these drones to attack Saudi
> Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Qatar, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain,
> Israel, simultaneously.  Well, from the Iranian point of view, all of those
> guys are infidels, so I suppose it is possible, in the last few days of the
> existence of Iran.*
>

*It's time for more wisdom from your favorite AI. *

*ME: give me a list of countries that Iran has ALREADY attacked with
missiles or drones. *

*Grok:*
- *"Israel* — Major and repeated target with ballistic missiles (including
some with cluster munitions) and drones directed at cities, military sites,
and infrastructure.
- *United Arab Emirates (UAE)* — Among the most heavily targeted (often the
highest volume of projectiles in tallies), including bases, airports,
ports, energy facilities, and other sites.
- *Kuwait* — Frequent attacks on bases (e.g., Ali Al Salem), ports,
airport, energy infrastructure, and other locations; some caused U.S. and
other casualties.
- *Bahrain* — Attacks on the U.S. Fifth Fleet area, airport, ports, energy
sites, and other locations.
- *Qatar* — Strikes involving U.S. facilities (e.g., Al Udeid) and energy
infrastructure such as Ras Laffan.
- *Saudi Arabia* — Attacks on U.S.-related bases (e.g., Prince Sultan),
energy facilities, Riyadh area, Eastern Province, and other sites.
- *Jordan* — Repeated targeting of U.S. bases and facilities (e.g., in
later phases of the conflict).
- *Iraq* — Attacks, including in the Kurdistan Region (e.g., Erbil area)
and sites associated with U.S. presence or other targets.
- *Oman* — Strikes or impacts involving ports (e.g., Salalah, Duqm) and
other locations.
- *Turkey* — At least limited incidents involving ballistic missiles
entering or heading toward its airspace/territory (some intercepted; Iran
has denied intentional targeting in some cases)."

> *>>…So under wartime conditions you're gonna build a new road….*
>
>
>
> *> No, build them now.*
>

*"Now" is a wartime condition.*

*And by the way, I highly recommend the movie "Top Secret". It's very
funny.   *

*John K Clark*
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