President Donald Trump has denied reports that the United States is running low on key munitions in its ongoing conflict with Iran. On Thursday, Trump asserted that the US possesses "massive amounts" of ammunition and that additional supplies are being manufactured and shipped to the region. He also stated on his Truth Social platform that "defense companies are building the largest number of plants and factories in our country’s history," though he did not provide specific evidence or details regarding the types of weapons involved.

These comments followed reports that Trump demanded answers from his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, about alleged shortages during a cabinet meeting held last Friday at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. According to the Washington Post, Trump expressed feeling misled because he believed the shortage issues "had been fixed." Hegseth reportedly defended himself and attempted to shift responsibility to his deputy, Stephen Feinberg.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that shortages of long-range guided missiles and air defense interceptors have begun to constrain the US military strategy. The US military has "nearly exhausted 80%" of its stock of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) interceptors, according to the network. The Washington Post also indicated that concerns over dwindling supplies contributed to Trump calling off further strikes against Iran, despite his repeated threats to hit the Islamic Republic "very hard."

Hegseth, a former Fox News host who refers to himself as the secretary of war, recently announced a screening program for "testosterone deficiency" among US troops.

Sources