US President Donald Trump has denied reports of a munitions shortage and vowed in a social media post to seek 'long term jail sentences' for those suspected of leaking information. He stated that the US has 'massive amounts of munitions, especially of certain types,' and that additional supplies are being manufactured and shipped as needed.

With the war with Iran in its sixth month, Trump and the Pentagon face mounting questions about the state of the military's arsenal. The US and Iran continue to trade strikes despite multiple pauses, and a deal to fully end hostilities remains elusive.

The administration has sought to assure Americans that missile stockpiles remain robust, but CBS News reported that the US has used much of its global stockpile of long-range precision missiles during Operation Epic Fury and subsequent strikes. The Washington Post reported that Trump confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over a possible weapons shortfall, though the BBC has not confirmed this.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: 'The 'leakers' of these treasonous statements are being hunted down. Long term jail sentences will be sought!' Precise information on US missile stocks remains classified.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), by the end of July, the US had between 759 and 827 Patriot missiles left, down from 2,330 before the conflict. Additionally, about 60% of THAAD missiles have been used, said Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and senior adviser at CSIS.

The US also faces demand for weapons beyond the Iran conflict, including supplies to Ukraine. Trump called Ukraine's request for additional Patriot missiles a 'big step,' but negotiations are ongoing.

The administration insists stockpiles are sufficient, but Hegseth has acknowledged the need to ramp up production and requested $87 billion in emergency funds from the Senate to replenish equipment and munitions.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk