Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Trump Denies Weapons Shortage as Iran War Stockpiles Face Pressure
Donald Trump says the United States is not running out of weapons during its war with Iran.
He called reports about shortages completely wrong.
He also criticized media organizations and other people who raised concerns.
Trump said the country has almost unlimited ammunition and is making more weapons than ever before.
He said the military is keeping weapons for its own needs before selling them to allies again.
A Reuters report gave a different picture for some long-range missiles.
It said the Army had used nearly all of two important missile systems during the war.
Officials also warned that some defensive missiles, including Patriot interceptors, were becoming limited.
However, one person said the military could replace the weapons it had used.
Donald Trump called reports of dwindling US ammunition supplies “100% wrong” and attacked unnamed critics as “treasonous.”
Trump said the United States has virtually unlimited mid- to high-grade ammunition and is producing munitions at unprecedented levels.
He said the US is prioritizing domestic military needs, stockpiling weapons and would soon resume sales to allies.
A Reuters report said the Army had used virtually all of its ATACMS and Precision Strike Missile stockpiles during the five-month Iran war.
Officials and experts also raised concerns about Patriot interceptor supplies and US readiness for future conflicts, while one source said replenishment remains possible.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, US military officials, experts, media outlets and sources familiar with US weapons supplies.
- What
- Trump denied a US weapons shortage, while a Reuters report described heavy use of certain long-range missiles and concerns about defensive weapons.
- When
- Thursday, during the reported five-month war with Iran; the Reuters report cited in the article was dated August 4.
- Where
- The military operation is taking place in Iran, while Trump issued his comments on Truth Social.
- Why
- Trump said shortage reports were false and undermined the war effort; officials and experts cited concerns about future military readiness and depleted missile supplies.
Trump’s Position
Readiness Concerns
Overall ammunition supply
Trump’s Position
Trump says claims that the United States is running short of ammunition are 100% wrong and that the country has virtually unlimited supplies.
Readiness Concerns
Experts and media reports have raised concerns about limited weapons availability during the Iran operation.
Long-range missile stockpiles
Trump’s Position
Trump maintains that US weapons supplies are sufficient and that production and stockpiling are continuing at historically high levels.
Readiness Concerns
Reuters sources said the Army had used virtually all of its ATACMS and Precision Strike Missile stockpiles, although the number remaining was not disclosed.
Military readiness
Trump’s Position
Trump said the United States is preparing for future contingencies and can retain weapons for its own military needs.
Readiness Concerns
US officials and military leaders expressed concern about the ability to respond to future threats, including because Patriot interceptor supplies were declining; one source nevertheless said replenishment was possible.
- Trump’s claim
- The United States has virtually unlimited mid- to high-grade ammunition.
- Production
- Trump said US munitions production is occurring at levels never seen before.
- Long-range missiles
- Reuters sources said the Army had used virtually all of the Army Tactical Missile System and Precision Strike Missile stockpiles.
- Missile costs
- The long-range missiles discussed in the report cost more than $1 million each.
- Defensive weapons
- Military leaders warned that supplies of Patriot missile interceptors were falling.
- Replenishment
- One person familiar with the situation said the US military could replenish its supplies.
- Ukraine and NATO
- Trump claimed the Biden administration provided hundreds of billions of dollars in assistance to Ukraine and NATO without charge and said repayment would be sought.
