Big Take Podcast

The Critical Arms Race That Could Determine Iran War Outcome

In just days of attacks, the US has used some weapons stores that could take years to rebuild. On the Big Take podcast, how dwindling munitions could determine the length of war.

An Iran-made Shahed-136 at a rally commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's victory in Azadi Square in Tehran on Feb. 11.Photographer: Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto/Getty Images

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By Julia Press and Sarah Holder

March 9, 2026 at 9:45 PM UTC

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A major factor that could limit hostilities in Iran and the Middle East is munitions — what weapons each side is using, and how quickly they might run out.