Why does the U.S. military seem stymied in the war with Iran?

NPR | By Dave Davies

Published August 19, 2026 at 12:18 PM EDT

Defense analyst Stacie Pettyjohn says while the U.S. military is facing long-range missile shortages, prolonged deployments and vacated regional bases, Iran is building cheaper weapons quickly.

NPR News

Dave Davies

Dave Davies is a guest host for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross.

See stories by Dave Davies

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

This high-speed star is whipping around the black hole in the middle of our galaxy

Ari Daniel

Researchers have identified a speed demon at the heart of the Milky Way. This fast-moving star may yield insights into the black hole parked at the center of our galaxy.
NPR News

A real-world study of Oregon's nonmedical psilocybin program shows promise

Will Stone

Oregon was the first state to establish a legalized and regulated psilocybin industry. Since then, thousands have tried magic mushrooms. Here is the latest data from the state's real-life experiment.
NPR News

Greetings from Trouville-sur-Mer, a beach town little changed since Monet painted it

Eleanor Beardsley

The Normandy beach town of Trouville-sur-Mer is a two-hour train ride from Paris, but feels a world away, with English Channel breezes and the sound of seagulls screeching through the cobbled streets.
Lexington/Richmond

Lexington council wants to allow some rural solar development, despite planning commission recommending a ban

Shepherd Snyder

The urban county council narrowly voted to advance a proposal that would allow solar farms on 1% of Fayette County land at a Tuesday work session.
NPR News

U.S. delays 50% tariff on Canadian imports. And, takeaways from Florida's primaries

Brittney Melton

President Trump has announced that the U.S. is delaying a 50% tariff on Canadian imports after reaching a deal. And, how progressive Democrats fared in Florida's primary elections yesterday.