American military commanders are deliberately choosing not to intercept some Iranian missiles and drones when they are off course or are not expected to strike U.S. forces, as the military works to preserve its diminishing supply of defensive munitions, NBC News reported.

Officials said U.S. Central Command is evaluating each incoming threat and reserving interceptors for projectiles believed to pose an actual danger. Iranian missile attacks have generally been less accurate than more sophisticated American weapons and frequently miss their intended targets.

The War Department has also shifted munitions to Central Command from other military regions and stockpiles. NBC reported that the department had not signed new contracts with defense companies to manufacture additional missiles or interceptors despite concerns that the war was depleting existing supplies. A former U.S. official described the selective interception policy as an example of the military “thinking creatively.”

Despite extensive American and Israeli strikes against Iran since February and nearly two weeks of daily U.S. military operations, Iran still possesses missiles and drones that have taken a significant toll.

American military installations across the Middle East have sustained extensive damage, including the U.S. Navy’s regional headquarters in Bahrain and Army bases in Kuwait. Damage has also been reported in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq, with repairs expected to cost billions of dollars.

The U.S. moved thousands of troops away from regional bases months ago, and many have not returned because of the destruction and the continued Iranian threat. More than 50,000 American troops remain in the Middle East, though the military is keeping only personnel considered essential at its bases.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)