Pentagon spokesperson says claims of US munitions shortage amid Iran war 'false' - report

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell denied claims of US munitions shortages amid the war with Iran, telling the Wall Street Journal that America's military remains the most powerful fighting force on earth. The denial follows reports from Reuters and The Washington Post detailing extensive use of precision munitions, including over 850 Tomahawk missiles in the first month of conflict, and a Pentagon order for accelerated weapons production.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell denied claims of US munitions shortages amid the ongoing war with Iran, telling the Wall Street Journal that the claims are false. 'America's military remains the most powerful fighting force on earth. We have everything required to strike at the time and place of the President's choosing,' Parnell said. The denial follows a Reuters report from August 4 finding that the US Army had used up virtually all of its stockpile of highly accurate long-range missiles during the five-month conflict. The Washington Post reported that in the first month of the conflict, the US fired more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles, over 1,000 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missiles, and at least 1,300 tactical ballistic missiles. Reuters also reported that between February and July the US used around 65% of its Patriot interceptors. President Trump issued a statement on Truth Social on August 6, saying the US has 'massive amounts of munitions' and that claims of shortages were fabricated. Despite these denials, the Pentagon ordered defense industry leaders to prepare plans for accelerated weapons production within 21 days, with Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg writing that 'years-long development cycles are not acceptable.'