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Trump denies US running low on key munitions in war with Iran

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Unnamed sources Context piece
  • President Donald Trump denied reports that the U.S. is running low on key munitions in its conflict with Iran.
  • He asserted that the U.S. possesses "massive amounts" of ammunition and is increasing production.
  • Trump threatened severe legal consequences for officials leaking information about military weapons stocks, calling such leaks "treasonous."

President Donald Trump has forcefully rejected claims that the United States is experiencing shortages of critical munitions in its war with Iran. Addressing the reports via his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that the U.S. possesses "massive amounts" of ammunition, with production ramping up and shipments en route to the region.

Defense companies are building the largest number of plants and factories in our country’s history.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump stated this on his Truth Social platform to assert the U.S. has ample ammunition.

His remarks came after a report indicated he had demanded answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding alleged shortages during a cabinet meeting. According to the Washington Post, citing unnamed sources, Trump felt misled, believing the issue had been resolved. The report suggested Hegseth defended his position and attempted to shift blame to Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg.

Trump responded with anger, labeling the media reports as "treasonous statements" and vowing to pursue those responsible with "long term jail sentences." He stated, "The ‘leakers’ of these treasonous statements are being hunted down."

The ‘leakers’ of these treasonous statements are being hunted down. Long term jail sentences will be sought!

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump threatened legal action against officials leaking information about military weapons stocks.

CNN separately reported that constraints on long-range guided missiles and air defense interceptors were beginning to impact Trump's strategy in the conflict. The network cited claims that the U.S. military had "nearly exhausted 80%" of its stock of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) interceptors. The Washington Post also suggested that concerns over dwindling supplies contributed to Trump's decision to halt further strikes against Iran, despite his prior threats.

FAKE NEWS! I was at Camp David with President Trump and Secretary Hegseth. This literally never happened.

— Karoline LeavittWhite House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied the report of a confrontation between Trump and Hegseth.

The White House and Pentagon have officially denied these reports. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the account of the Camp David exchange as "FAKE NEWS!" and stated it "literally never happened." She also affirmed the President's confidence in Secretary Hegseth. Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesman, dismissed both the confrontation reports and the claims of weapons shortages as "equally fictional," emphasizing that Hegseth and Feinberg are working together to execute the President's agenda and ensure military readiness.

Secretary Hegseth isn’t going anywhere and he’s going to continue to work side by side with Deputy Secretary Feinberg to execute President Trump’s agenda, strengthen America’s defense industrial base, and ensure our warfighters have every capability they need to deter and defeat any adversary.

— Sean ParnellPentagon spokesman Sean Parnell dismissed reports of weapons shortages and a confrontation, affirming the Defense Secretary's position.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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