Former President Donald Trump has expressed disagreement with recent claims regarding substantial shortages of U.S. munitions stemming from the ongoing conflict with Iran.
In a statement shared on his Truth Social account on Thursday morning, Trump asserted, “The United States possesses a vast supply of ‘munitions,’ particularly of certain varieties. Moreover, significant quantities are currently being produced and transported to meet our needs. Defense contractors are establishing the highest number of manufacturing facilities in our nation’s history. Those responsible for leaking these treasonous comments are being pursued, and we will seek lengthy prison sentences!”
A report by CBS News on Tuesday indicated that the U.S. has nearly depleted its global reserves of long-range precision missiles during the conflict, according to two insiders familiar with the situation.
The insiders revealed that nearly all Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles have been utilized. Reuters was the first to report that the U.S. had effectively used “virtually all” of its long-range precision missiles during Operation Epic Fury.
CBS News previously noted that the U.S. is facing diminishing stockpiles of defensive interceptors and long-range missiles, a situation that has created tension within the administration. It was reported that the U.S. cannot maintain the pace at which it used precision munitions at the start of the Iran conflict.
Officials have indicated that there are limited supplies of ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles. The most urgent issue involves the number of Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors, which have been consumed at a rate that outpaces industry production.
A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) released in July estimated that prior to the war, the U.S. had 2,330 Patriot interceptors, but by the end of July, that number had dwindled to between 759 and 827. The same report indicated that the U.S. held 452 THAAD interceptors before the conflict, which had decreased to between 234 and 278 by July 27. Another recent CSIS analysis suggests that it may take until at least mid-2029 to restore both systems to pre-war inventory levels.
Sean Parnell, the Chief Pentagon spokesperson, stated to CBS News, “The U.S. military is the most formidable in the world and possesses all necessary resources to act at the President’s discretion. We have conducted numerous successful operations across various combatant commands while ensuring that the military maintains a comprehensive arsenal to protect our citizens and interests.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously downplayed worries about the U.S. stockpile, labeling them as unfounded.
“This is a fabricated narrative that the media is eager to promote; our stockpiles are robust and are only becoming more formidable,” Hegseth remarked during an appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on June 14.
Contributors to this report include Jennifer Jacobs and Sara Cook.
