According to Fars News Agency, The Washington Post has reported that declining U.S. weapons stockpiles, particularly long-range missiles and air defense systems, have increased concerns among American officials. The report states that reduced inventories of certain strategic military assets have become a significant issue in U.S. political and military circles.
Citing informed sources, the newspaper claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for an explanation about the status of missile stockpiles during a meeting at Camp David and expressed dissatisfaction over declining weapons inventories. According to the sources, Trump believed that the issue of weapons shortages had already been resolved.
The Washington Post also claimed that reduced stocks of precision-guided long-range missiles and air defense interceptors have limited Washington’s military options regarding Iran and influenced the U.S. decision to refrain from carrying out broader attacks against Iranian positions.
According to the report, the U.S. military has used hundreds of Tomahawk cruise missiles and a large number of Patriot and THAAD air defense interceptors during recent conflicts. The inventory of ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles has also reportedly experienced a significant decline.
The Washington Post added that replenishing these weapons systems would require time and that new arms contracts cannot address immediate shortages. The newspaper noted that rebuilding these stockpiles could face both industrial and logistical challenges.
In response, the White House and the U.S. Department of Defense have rejected reports of disagreements between Trump and the defense secretary. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the reports as “fake news” and emphasized that the president continues to have full confidence in his defense secretary.
Trump also responded to the reports on his social media platform, stating that the United States still maintains extensive ammunition reserves. He further warned that individuals who disclose classified information would face severe punishment.
In recent months, U.S. media outlets have repeatedly reported on declining American weapons stockpiles. Several U.S. research institutions have also warned that extensive consumption of interceptor missiles and other military equipment could limit the country’s operational capacity for conducting large-scale operations in the future.
The Washington Post concluded its report by stating that the publication of such assessments may reflect concerns among some U.S. political and military circles regarding the costs and consequences of prolonged conflicts and their impact on the country’s military readiness.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
