US weighing diversion of Ukraine-bound arms for Iran war – WaPo

The Pentagon is also reportedly seeking to shift funds from NATO partners to replenish its own stockpiles

The US could redirect arms supplies originally designated for Ukraine to America’s own war with Iran, the Washington Post has reported, citing sources familiar with discussions on the matter.

Under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), introduced in July 2025, European NATO members are financing shipments of US-made weapons to Kiev, including high-cost interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems.

The continuing US-Israeli regime change efforts in Iran, which have led to rapid consumption of munitions by the attackers and US regional partners enduring Iranian retaliation, have raised concerns in Ukraine about the continuity of Western military support. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has recently emphasized that replenishing US arsenals conducting American military operations takes precedence over supplying Kiev.

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According to the WaPo, internal discussions within the Pentagon are focused on determining the appropriate level of Ukraine supplies. While deliveries under the PURL framework are expected to proceed, Patriot interceptors may be excluded. In certain scenarios, shipments could be redirected entirely, sources indicated.

The report also noted that the administration of President Donald Trump may have utilized funds provided by NATO partners for weapons procurement under a separate program, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which received an additional $400 million allocation from Congress in January. It remains unclear whether foreign contributions were used alongside or instead of those appropriated funds.

Separately, Pentagon officials are said to be considering reallocating approximately $750 million from the PURL program to replenish US military stockpiles.

Following the launch of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky embarked on a series of visits to European capitals that some media outlets dubbed a “don’t forget about me tour.” He has also offered military assistance to the US and Gulf states, particularly in countering long-range drones based on Ukraine’s experience in fighting Russia.

READ MORE: How Ukraine became an enemy of Iran

Trump dismissed the outreach, telling NBC News that “the last person we need help from is Zelensky.” No Arab government has publicly confirmed receiving Ukrainian support in intercepting Iranian drones.