WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump reportedly confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over shortages of key ammunition that could restrict Washington’s military options against Iran, a report by The Washington Post unveiled.
The reported exchange took place during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David last Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trump allegedly questioned Hegseth about why he had not been properly informed about shortages of critical weapons, saying he had believed the ammunition problem had already been resolved.
The reported shortages include long-range precision-guided missiles and air-defence interceptors. The limited availability of such weapons is reportedly among the factors that have discouraged the US president from authorising further major strikes against Iran in recent days.
According to the report, Hegseth defended himself when Trump raised concerns about depleted stockpiles. He reportedly attributed the failure to fully brief the president to his deputy, Stephen Feinberg.
The alleged confrontation has also highlighted tensions surrounding Hegseth, who officials said had been among those strongly supporting military action against Iran. He had reportedly assured Trump that the operation could produce a quick and relatively easy victory.
As the US military faces constraints on its available options, American officials have reportedly asked personnel to develop “creative and unconventional” proposals for maintaining pressure on Iran.
However, the White House and Pentagon have categorically denied the report.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the allegations “100 percent fake news,” saying the reported confrontation never occurred and that Trump has complete confidence in Hegseth.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell also rejected the claims, saying Hegseth had not misled anyone about ammunition supplies and had not blamed Feinberg for the shortages.
Parnell said reports about depleted weapons stockpiles, internal disagreements and Hegseth’s position on Iran were entirely fabricated.
