A conflict has arisen between Trump and Hegset over the missile shortage in the U.S. — WP
U.S. President Donald Trump demanded an explanation from Pentagon chief Pete Hagseth following reports of a severe shortage of missiles and ammunition amid the conflict with Iran. According to The Washington Post, the U.S. leader was disappointed that he may have received inaccurate information about the status of military stockpiles.
According to sources, the meeting took place on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. During the meeting, Trump confronted the Pentagon chief, as the shortage of ammunition threatens to limit U.S. military capabilities regarding Iran.
Hegset, in turn, defended himself and blamed his deputy, Stephen Fineberg, for the shortage and for failing to keep Trump fully informed on the matter.
According to many officials, this exchange underscored Trump’s growing frustration with his defense secretary, who had been one of the leading advocates for military action against Iran. In fact, it was Hegset who convinced the president that it would be a quick and relatively easy victory.
Also in July, during Senate hearings, Hegset refused to discuss the advice he had given Trump and repeatedly blamed any shortfalls on the Biden administration’s policies regarding the military, rather than on operations carried out under Trump.
According to one source, the shortage of long-range guided missiles and anti-aircraft interceptor missiles is one of the reasons why Trump has recently abandoned plans for additional massive strikes against Iran.
In addition, the shortage of defense munitions has affected not only the Middle East but also Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, leaving the country vulnerable to attacks by Russia.
“The lack of interceptor missiles is also changing the U.S. approach to deciding whether to use munitions against an impending threat,” a U.S. official told the Washington Post.
The publication added that although the U.S. has announced new agreements to produce some of the most critical munitions, such as Patriot anti-aircraft missiles, the production process for these munitions could take up to two years. As a result, no improvement in the shortage is expected in the near future.
As a reminder, global oil prices resumed their rise on Tuesday, August 4, following a sharp drop the previous day.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz could be fully open to international shipping as early as August 4. After that, he said, Washington and Tehran will move on to a new phase of negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear program.
U.S. President Donald Trump also called on American oil companies to immediately lower gasoline prices for consumers. Separately, he criticized Chevron CEO Mike Wirth.
