US to delay weapons deliveries to some European countries due to Iran war, sources say

US officials have informed some European counterparts that some previously contracted weapons deliveries are likely to be delayed as the Iran war continues to draw on weapons stocks, five sources familiar with the matter say.

The delays underline the degree to which the war against Iran, which began with US-Israeli air strikes on February 28, has begun to stretch US supplies of some critical weaponry and ammunition.

The sources say several European countries will be affected, including in the Baltic region and in Scandinavia.

Some of the weapons in question were purchased by European countries under the Foreign Military Sales program, or FMS, but have not yet been delivered, the sources add. Those deliveries will likely be delayed, US officials told European officials in bilateral messages in recent days, the sources say.

Defense ministries of Estonia and Lithuania tell Reuters the US has informed their countries of ​possible delays in the delivery of US military equipment because ‌of the Iran war.

“America’s military is the most powerful in the world, and we will ensure that US forces and those of our allies and partners have what they need to fight and win,” a Pentagon spokesperson says. “For operational security reasons, we will not comment on any specific allied or partner requirements or ongoing efforts to support them.”

European officials complain the delays are putting them in a difficult position.

Under the FMS program, foreign countries purchase US-made weapons with the logistical assistance and consent of the US government. Washington has pushed European NATO partners to purchase more US-made materiel under President Donald Trump, including through the FMS program, as part of a bid to shift the responsibility for Europe’s conventional defense away from the US and onto European partners.

But such weapons deliveries are often delayed, causing frustration in European capitals, where some officials are increasingly looking at weapons systems made within Europe.

US officials say the weapons are needed for the war in the Middle East, and they fault European nations for not helping the US and Israel open the Strait of Hormuz.