The US is burning through its defensive missiles helping Israel fight Iran, leaving American troops, ships, and bases exposed — bad news for US forces and Trump's standing.

• The US started with about 2,200 Patriot interceptors worldwide and is already down to under 900, with THAAD interceptors down by nearly half.
• More than 50,000 US troops are in the Middle East, and top brass warned that keeping up the fight would drain the missiles needed to protect them.
• To save stockpiles, the US is reportedly letting some incoming missiles through if they seem unlikely to kill Americans.
• The Pentagon is begging Silicon Valley startups for 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles, but production only starts in 2027 and full replenishment could take three or more years.
• Trump's approval has cratered to around 32%, with the Iran war his weakest issue, fueling claims he backed Israel for money and to bury personal scandals.

Outlook: With interceptors nearly gone and no fast resupply, pressure is building either to pull carriers out of the region or risk US losses if the war widens.