PDB Afternoon Bulletin | April 23rd, 2026: How Close Is the U.S. to Running Out of Key Weapons? & Iran’s Secret U.S. Operative

April 23, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

A recent CSIS analysis examines US munitions depletion during the 39 days of fighting with Iran before the ceasefire, highlighting rapid consumption of key high-end missiles. The episode also covers the arrest at LAX of a California woman accused of serving as a proxy for Iranian intelligence in brokering major arms deals while evading sanctions.

CSIS Report on Munitions Drawdown

The Center for Strategic and International Studies report assesses seven critical munitions based on informed estimates from defense budgets, production records, and past conflict data, as exact stockpiles remain classified. It divides them into long-range strike weapons and missile defense interceptors, noting high usage rates that could strain readiness if fighting resumes or escalates.

US forces reportedly expended over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles from a pre-war inventory of about 3,100; these allow strikes from ships or submarines without risking pilots against intact enemy air defenses. More than 1,000 JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles), stealthy air-launched options for defended targets, were used from an estimated 4,400. The newer Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), fired by Army HIMARS systems for deep strikes, saw 40 to 70 fired from a limited pre-war stock of around 90.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:12) **Episode Intro** - Mike Baker welcomes listeners and teases US munitions shortages post-Iran conflict and glamorous Iran arms operative
2 (00:58) **CSIS Munitions Report Overview** - Analysis of US weapons burned in 39-day Iran campaign before ceasefire, focusing on high-end missiles
3 (02:13) **Tomahawk Cruise Missiles** - Navy/sub-launched for standoff strikes; ~850 fired from ~3,100 pre-war inventory
4 (02:44) **JASSM Stealth Missiles** - Air-launched for defended targets; over 1,000 used from ~4,400 stock
5 (03:14) **PRSM Army Missiles** - HIMARS-fired deep strikes; 40-70 used from limited ~90 pre-war supply
6 (04:00) **Missile Defense Interceptors** - SM-3 ship-launched for high-end ballistic threats; 130-250 fired from ~410
7 (04:22) **THAAD System** - Ground-based high-altitude intercepts; 190-290 used from ~360 pre-war

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Show Notes

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:

First up—a new analysis warns the U.S. may be running dangerously low on key munitions after weeks of fighting with Iran, raising fresh concerns about America’s readiness if the conflict reignites—or if a larger war breaks out.
Later in the show—a glamorous California socialite is accused of secretly running a global arms network for Iran, brokering massive weapons deals while living a jet-set lifestyle inside the United States.

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