The US-Iran war may be prolonged, Trump emphasizes that America's weapon stockpiles are sufficient to support long-term operations

On March 3, according to Business Insider, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S.-Iran conflict could be “endless” and emphasized that America has enough medium- and high-level weapon reserves to sustain a prolonged and “very successful” war. He previously suggested the conflict might last four to five weeks, but the White House is now prepared for a longer-term engagement.

Late at night, Trump posted on Truth Social claiming that U.S. weapon stockpiles are nearly unlimited, far exceeding those of other countries. He mentioned that some allied nations store large quantities of advanced weapons but did not specify the types of ammunition. These remarks have sparked market concerns over geopolitical risks and energy supplies, leading to upward pressure on oil prices.

Last weekend, the U.S. and Israel conducted hundreds of airstrikes against Iran, with the initial strikes killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran and its allies launched ballistic missiles, rockets, and drones at Israeli and U.S. military bases in the Gulf region, causing chaos in residential areas and disrupting hundreds of flights.

U.S. officials revealed that multiple types of weapons, including drones, offensive missiles, and interceptors, have been used in the conflict. This has raised market concerns about the sustainability of the Pentagon’s remaining long-range munitions, especially whether its stockpile of Tomahawk cruise missiles is sufficient to handle future conflicts, including deterrence against China.

Analysts note that Trump’s statements about weapon stockpiles not only signal military strength but may also indirectly influence international market expectations and energy prices. As geopolitical tensions persist, global investors will closely monitor the duration of U.S. military actions and their potential impacts on inflation, energy markets, and financial markets.

The U.S. president’s tough stance has heightened risk-averse sentiment in the markets and presents new challenges for investors managing geopolitical risks.