Tight security marks peaceful Chehlum procession

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has grown increasingly angry over reports that the country’s stockpile of key munitions has been significantly depleted during the conflict with Iran, fearing the disclosures could undermine Washington’s leverage as he pushes Tehran toward a deal. Senior US officials told CNN that the issue became a major point of discussion during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David last week. Trump was reportedly frustrated not only by the shortages but by the publication of details about US weapons inventories at a sensitive moment in the conflict. Several officials said Trump had known for months that certain munitions were in limited supply and was not surprised by the underlying situation. His concern, they said, was that public reporting could weaken the image of US military strength while he threatens further action against Iran. Trump sought to push back publicly, saying the United States has “massive amounts” of munitions and that weapons production is expanding. He also threatened severe punishment for officials responsible for leaking classified or sensitive information. However, Trump acknowledged in remarks at the White House that some advanced weapons are in tighter supply, while insisting there is a virtually unlimited supply of less sophisticated weaponry. White House officials said Trump has not blamed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth for the situation and continues to express confidence in his leadership. Instead, the president has directed the Justice Department to investigate what he described as “treasonous” leaks from within his administration. The concerns have intensified after reports indicated that US forces have used a large share of their air-defence interceptors since the conflict began. CNN reported that the military had consumed nearly four-fifths of its pre-war THAAD missile inventory and about half of its Patriot interceptors. The reported shortages have also alarmed US partners in the Gulf, many of whom rely heavily on American air-defence systems. Regional officials have warned that reduced US stocks could make it harder to defend against potential Iranian missile and drone attacks if Washington launches further strikes. Iran has reportedly warned Gulf countries that renewed US attacks could trigger retaliation against energy infrastructure and desalination facilities across the region. Trump has spoken with leaders in Qatar and Saudi Arabia as his administration weighs its next steps. Senior military advisers have repeatedly raised concerns about dwindling stocks during discussions over potential escalation. The issue predates the current crisis. US military leaders had warned before the war that a prolonged campaign could strain American weapons supplies, particularly after years of support for Israel and Ukraine. Trump has blamed the previous administration for contributing to depleted stockpiles through weapons deliveries to Ukraine, while also acknowledging that the United States needs greater reserves. The administration has moved to expand production, including invoking the Defense Production Act and meeting with major defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin. However, officials acknowledge that expanding weapons manufacturing capacity could take years, meaning increased production may not immediately solve the shortage.