Vance suspected that the Pentagon was overstating the U.S. stockpile of weapons
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance suspects the Department of Defense of downplaying the true extent of the depletion of U.S. missile stockpiles due to the conflict in Iran.
This information was revealed to The Atlantic by senior administration officials.
During talks with Donald Trump, he expressed concern about the availability of certain systems, as the reduction in ammunition reserves threatens Washington’s ability to defend Taiwan and South Korea, as well as Europe, from Russia.
At the same time, Defense Secretary Pete Hagset and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane publicly claim to have significant stockpiles of weapons. Donald Trump supports these assessments, calling Tehran’s losses a victory and describing U.S. stockpiles of key weapons as virtually unlimited. However, sources familiar with intelligence assessments claim that official statements paint an incomplete picture, as Iran has retained two-thirds of its air force and the bulk of its missile launch capabilities.
Vance’s advisers note that the vice president is trying to avoid conflict within the war cabinet by presenting his concerns as personal opinions rather than direct accusations that the Pentagon is lying. There is speculation that Hagset’s optimistic reports are intended to meet the president’s expectations. Internal assessments indicate that Iran still possesses the majority of the high-speed boats capable of blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Navy Secretary John Fallon has stepped down from his post. Defense Secretary Pete Hagset has also dismissed a number of high-ranking military officials, including General Randy George.
A scandal has erupted in the U.S. over food on military ships.
