The Trump administration has denied claims of a shortage in US munitions amid ongoing military operations, asserting that the country's missile stockpiles remain robust. This comes after reports indicated that the US has used a significant portion of its difficult-to-manufacture long-range precision missiles during the conflict known as Operation Epic Fury.

CBS News, the BBC's US partner, cited two unnamed sources with direct knowledge, reporting that much of the US global stockpile of such missiles has been expended. Additionally, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a national security think tank, estimated that by the end of July 2026, the US had between 759 and 827 Patriot missiles left—about a third of the 2,330 available before the conflict began. CSIS also estimated that around 60% of terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) missiles have been used.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported that Trump confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth last week over concerns of a possible weapons shortfall, citing unnamed sources.

In response to these reports, Trump took to Truth Social, denying any munitions shortage and condemning the leaks as "treasonous." He stated, "The 'leakers' of these treasonous statements are being hunted down," and warned that "Long term jail sentences will be sought!" He also directly addressed the Washington Post's story, calling it "fake 'reporting'" and "treasonous."

Separately, Defence Minister Majid Ibn-e-Reza posted on X that "Each day, the signs of the enemy's diminishing capabilities become more apparent," and affirmed that "our Armed Forces - backed by the nation's defence industry - are fully equipped to respond to any threat." He added that "those who are now seeking to buy security and military superiority through imported systems will soon realise that Iran's indigenous technology is superior to any system in the region."

Sources