US military pushes companies to ‘dramatically accelerate’ weapons production as Iran war burns through supply, memo says
The US is urging defence companies to “dramatically” accelerate weapons production as the ongoing war with Iran depletes missile supplies, reports BritPanorama.
Deputy Defence Secretary Steve Feinberg has instructed firms to present plans within three weeks on how they can implement “significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities.”
“Years-long development cycles are not acceptable,” Mr Feinberg mentioned in a memo obtained by The Washington Post. He stressed, “We must dramatically accelerate our program schedules and expand our production capacity now.”
This memo follows recent comments from Iran’s supreme national security council head, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain shut until the US meets six conditions, including an end to its military actions and sanctions against Iran and its allies.
The situation escalated as the UAE condemned an Iranian missile attack on one of its vessels that occurred while transiting the strait. Initial reports from state news agency WAM indicated that a missile targeted an ADNOC vessel early on Saturday, asserting that the situation was under control, with no injuries reported.
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry labelled the incident a “hostile Iranian attack” and criticized Tehran for violating international maritime laws and conducting acts of piracy. They demanded an unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The broader context of this incident is marked by a backdrop of escalating tensions in the region. The US continues to seek ways to manage the situation, while Iran’s demands present significant challenges to any potential negotiations regarding freedom of navigation in the vital shipping route.
Compounding these tensions, the recent war has also led to rising humanitarian crises throughout the region, with increased hunger levels resulting from disrupted food and energy supplies. With the conflict dragging on for several months, leaders are increasingly aware of the urgent need for resolution.
As the situation develops, regional and global leaders are called to consider their next steps amid heightened military mobilization and complex diplomatic negotiations.
