U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at Camp David last week over undisclosed shortages in the military’s missile stockpile that could constrain operations against Iran, according to anonymous sources familiar with the matter. The exchanges, described in a report, highlighted concerns that Trump had been misinformed about the availability of critical munitions, including long-range guided missiles and interceptors.
The sources indicated that Trump expressed surprise at the ongoing shortages, believing the issue had been resolved. Hegseth reportedly attributed the problems and the lack of communication to his deputy, Stephen Feinberg. The White House has categorically denied the report, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt calling it “100% fake news” and affirming the president’s confidence in Hegseth.
The missile shortages are cited as a significant factor influencing Trump’s decision to scale back plans for major strikes against Iran in recent days. On Monday, Trump announced the cancellation of what he described as “the biggest attack since World War II,” pending diplomatic negotiations related to the Strait of Hormuz. The United States recently announced agreements to boost production of key munitions such as Patriot air defense missiles, but manufacturing timelines of up to two years suggest little immediate relief for the depleted inventories.
Trump has dismissed reports of the missile shortfalls on his social media platform, Truth Social, threatening to pursue legal action against those he accuses of leaking classified information.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance also addressed tensions with Israel following media reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had rebuked him for criticism of Israeli government decisions. Speaking to Fox News, Vance denied any confrontation, describing his relationship with Netanyahu as “a nice and frank conversation.” He emphasized that his primary responsibility is to the interests of the United States, noting that differences of opinion with allies are normal and that the media often exaggerates these dynamics. Last month, Vance publicly stated that Israel was “losing the battle” for public opinion in the United States and rejected accusations of antisemitism related to his call for a more candid U.S.-Israel relationship.
Meanwhile, U.S. military officials have confirmed that nearly 80% of the Army’s stockpile of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missiles has been expended since hostilities with Iran began. This depletion has drawn concern from senior military leaders about maintaining adequate defense capabilities. Similarly, reports indicate that a substantial part of the U.S. long-range precision-guided missile arsenal was utilized during the five-month conflict with Iran.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to reach an interim agreement involving the United States, Iran, and Oman aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. According to multiple reports, the arrangement under consideration would establish a 60-day cease-fire period, allowing vessels transiting the Gulf to pass through Iranian territorial waters under Tehran’s coordination without transit fees. The parties would also work to clear mines from key shipping lanes in preparation for a permanent resolution.
The Iranian leadership is reported to have approved the interim agreement earlier this week. Trump reiterated on Wednesday that an accord involving the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, stating that if an agreement is not reached, the U.S. would respond forcefully to ensure safe passage through the vital waterway.