When the first cruise missiles began detonating inside Iran, the strikes had all the hallmarks of previous successful US military campaigns — unstoppable, overwhelming force delivered without warning. But as the conflict extends toward a third week, the US war effort is showing unexpected signs of strain against an adversary whose military budget is smaller than the GDP of Vermont — but which has an arsenal of missiles and drones unlike anything the US has ever faced.

 

Iran’s Cheap, Plentiful Weaponry Puts US Military Under Unprecedented Strain

As the conflict extends toward a third week, an arsenal of attack drones and ballistic missiles has helped make Tehran unlike any adversary the US has faced.

By Gerry Doyle, Jen Judson, Courtney McBride and Becca Wasser - Bloomberg Economics March 10, 2026 at 5:38 PM EDT