US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly had a tense exchange over the state of American weapons stockpiles during the early weeks of the Iran war, according to a report by TIME.
The reported confrontation took place in April, when Trump summoned Hegseth and other senior military officials to the Oval Office for an update on the conflict.
What happened between Trump and Hegseth?
According to sources cited by TIME, Trump was presented with information about the pace at which US munitions were reportedly being used during the war. Trump reportedly showed Hegseth a New York Times article that claimed the US military was rapidly depleting certain weapons, including Patriot air-defence interceptors.
The report said more than 1,200 Patriot interceptors, each costing more than $4 million, had been used during the initial weeks of the conflict.
Trump reportedly questioned Hegseth about the figures using an expletive, while the Defence Secretary dismissed the newspaper report as “fake news” and argued that the figures had been exaggerated. The New York Times had also reported that the US was sourcing military supplies from parts of Asia and Europe, potentially creating additional logistical and security concerns.
Pentagon, White House deny reported confrontation
The White House and Pentagon have both rejected the account of the alleged Oval Office exchange. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump has “full confidence” in Hegseth and described the Defence Secretary as a source of accurate information for the president.
She also said the US military had sufficient ammunition and munitions to meet Trump’s strategic objectives. The reported figures, including claims that more than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles were used during the conflict, were attributed to internal Defence Department estimates.
US weapons stockpiles face further scrutiny
Questions over American weapons supplies have continued as the Iran war stretches into its seventh month. The Washington Post previously reported another alleged confrontation between Trump and Hegseth at Camp David in August, with the president reportedly seeking explanations over military munitions shortages.
That account was also denied by the White House and Pentagon. Reports have subsequently pointed to pressure on US supplies of long-range guided missiles and air-defence interceptors amid the prolonged conflict.
Trump also warned in August that people leaking what he described as “treasonous statements” could face severe consequences.
Trump warns of possible escalation
Trump has continued to indicate that the conflict could escalate if Washington and Tehran fail to reach an agreement. He has suggested that the US could launch another major wave of attacks against Iran after the midterm elections if negotiations do not produce a deal.
Speaking to TIME, Trump defended the military campaign and linked the conflict to his broader argument that US action against Iran could produce peace. The war remains unresolved, while disagreements over negotiations, military operations and US weapons supplies continue to shape Washington’s approach to the conflict.
