Trump grows angry over reports on depleted munitions - believing it weakens him in Iran negotiations

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump has privately expressed frustration that leaks about the US's low munitions stockpile make the country appear weak amid escalating tensions with Iran, despite his repeated threats of military action.
• Trump acknowledges some shortages, particularly of advanced weapons like THAAD and Patriot missiles, but insists the US has large amounts of other munitions and is ramping up production, including invoking the Defense Production Act.
• White House officials believe the leaks come from anti-war factions within the administration aiming to pressure Trump to de-escalate the conflict, and Trump has directed the Justice Department to identify and prosecute those responsible.
• The depletion of key munitions has raised concerns among Gulf allies who rely on US air defense systems, as Iran has threatened retaliation against critical regional infrastructure if US strikes escalate.
• Military leaders had warned Trump early on about the risks of prolonged conflict depleting stockpiles, which were already strained due to prior support for Ukraine and Israel, prompting meetings with defense contractors to accelerate weapons manufacturing.