Trump denies U.S. munitions shortage and warns ‘leakers’ of jail time
Shortages of key missiles and air-defense systems were among the reasons U.S. President Donald Trump called off strikes against Iran recently, a U.S. newspaper reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump refuted claims of a shortage of munitions in the country, stating that the U.S. possesses "massive amounts" of them. He cautioned that those who spread such misinformation could face legal consequences, with "leakers" of "treasonous statements" being pursued and long-term jail sentences sought. The remarks were made on social media following a report by the Washington Post that Trump had argued with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the shortage of weapons, including long-range guided missiles and air-defense interceptors, which could limit military options in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Trump also noted that defense companies were constructing the highest number of plants and factories in the nation's history. He accused "leakers" of spreading false information and vowed to seek severe punishment, including long-term jail sentences. The Washington Post reported that Trump had been misled about the munitions shortage and had called off strikes against Iran due to a lack of weapons.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied the story, asserting that it never occurred. Trump has previously downplayed concerns about munitions supplies, claiming that the United States has "far more munitions than any other country." The Pentagon's request for emergency funding this fiscal year amounts to $67 billion, with $18.2 billion allocated for replacing advanced Patriot interceptors, Navy Tomahawks, and the Army's THAAD interceptor.
These requests highlight concerns about weapons stockpiles as the U.S. military confronts Iran and counteracts its drone and missile strikes against American bases in the region. An initial analysis indicated a 55% drop in the U.S. Patriot interceptor inventory from preconflict levels, while updated figures incorporated further fighting with Iran, resulting in an estimated 65% decline, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a bipartisan policy research organization.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
