President Donald Trump has publicly denied reports that the United States is running low on key munitions in its ongoing conflict with Iran. On Thursday, August 6th, 2026, Trump asserted that the US possesses "massive amounts" of ammunition, with additional supplies being manufactured and shipped to the region. He also warned of severe penalties for officials leaking information about military weapons stocks.

Trump's comments followed a report that he demanded explanations from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding alleged shortages during a cabinet meeting held last Friday, July 31st, 2026, at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. According to the Washington Post, Trump expressed feeling misled, believing the issue "had been fixed." Hegseth reportedly defended himself and attempted to shift responsibility to his deputy, Stephen Feinberg.

The US military is said to have "nearly exhausted 80%" of its stock of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) interceptors, a critical missile defense system. The Washington Post also reported that concerns over dwindling munitions contributed to Trump canceling further strikes against Iran, despite his previous threats to hit the Islamic Republic "very hard."

Later on Thursday, Trump praised Hegseth on social media, stating, "I am extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing," and accused media outlets reporting shortages of "spreading false and completely unfounded rumors."

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