Exclusive-US officials tell European countries to expect weapons delivery delays, sources say

By Gram Slattery and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) – U.S. officials have informed European counterparts that some previously contracted weapons deliveries are likely to be delayed as the Iran war continues to draw on weapons stocks, three sources familiar with the matter said.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity as the communications were not public, said several European countries will be affected, including in the Baltic region and in Scandinavia.

Some of the weapons in question were purchased by European countries under the Foreign Military Sales program, or FMS, but have not yet been delivered, the sources added. Those deliveries will likely be delayed, the sources said.

The White House, Pentagon and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Gram Slattery and Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Don Durfee and Chizu Nomiyama)