'Far more than anyone': Trump denies munitions shortage as reason for halting Iran strikes - report

President Donald Trump has vehemently denied claims that a shortage of munitions prompted his decision to halt strikes against Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday, citing U.S. officials familiar with the matter, that Trump decided not to renew strikes despite military plans for a large-scale offensive that could have lasted up to two weeks. However, Trump pushed back against this assertion in a statement to the newspaper. "We have far more munitions than anyone in the world, and far more than we need," he stated. The situation remains fluid, and officials noted that Trump could still order an attack on Iran. Despite Trump's denial, other senior U.S. officials expressed different concerns to The Wall Street Journal. U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine reportedly worries that a declining munitions inventory would pose an added risk if strikes against Iran resume, though he believes it would not completely hinder operations. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper shares a similar view, suggesting that the U.S. could manage a munitions shortage if strikes were approved, as any attacks would significantly damage Iran's missile-launching capabilities. The White House has indicated that reporting accurate numbers on the U.S. munitions stockpile constitutes a national security risk. An April report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, cited by The Wall Street Journal, warned that a diminished munitions inventory creates a "near-term risk" in case of a larger global conflict, noting that a war against a peer competitor like China would consume munitions at a much higher rate. Sources close to the administration's decision-making process told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday that Trump had not yet finalized a decision on a major strike against Iran. As the president stated Friday, the U.S. is continuing diplomatic talks with Tehran while maintaining a fully prepared military option. "We’re locked and loaded," Trump said, adding that Washington could escalate its military campaign "to a much higher level" if necessary.

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We have far more munitions than anyone in the world, and far more than we need.