United States President Donald Trump has pushed back against reports that the US military is facing dangerously low stocks of key munitions as the war with Iran enters its seventh month.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US military was producing munitions at “levels never seen before” and claimed the country had “far more than we could ever use”.
Trump attacks reports of weapons shortages
Trump also criticised media organisations that have reported shortages of offensive and defensive weapons being used in the conflict.
Calling the reports “treasonous scum”, he accused the media of failing to accurately report on the war and questioned coverage highlighting pressure on US military supplies.
Trump made similar remarks in August after reports emerged that he was frustrated with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over weapons availability. At the time, he described the reports as “treasonous statements” and said those responsible for leaking information would be pursued.
Experts warn replenishing supplies could take years
Several US media outlets have reported concerns over the country’s stocks of weapons needed to protect American forces and regional allies from Iranian missiles and drones.
The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has also raised concerns. In July, it estimated that the US had slightly more than one-third of its Patriot missile interceptors and around half of its THAAD interceptors remaining.
The conflict has also drawn heavily on offensive weapons, including Tomahawk missiles, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles and Precision Strike Missiles.
Although the Trump administration has reached new agreements with defence contractors to increase production, experts have warned that rebuilding supplies of some key weapons could take at least two years.
Debate over media freedom intensifies
The dispute comes amid wider concerns from press freedom groups over Trump’s treatment of critical media outlets.
Trump has previously called for federal broadcast regulators to take action against media organisations over their coverage. Federal prosecutors have also subpoenaed journalists as part of efforts to identify confidential sources linked to government leaks.
The contrasting claims over US munitions supplies have therefore become part of a wider debate over military readiness, government transparency and press freedom during the prolonged conflict with Iran