Former US President Donald Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that the United States is experiencing shortages of certain types of ammunition amid its ongoing conflict with Iran, marking his most direct admission to date regarding weapon supply constraints. Speaking in an interview conducted on September 28, Trump stated that “some forms of ammunition are a little bit lower than other forms,” though he maintained that overall weapon stocks remain “in great shape” due to six months of prior stockpiling.
Trump attributed part of the supply challenges to his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, accusing him of having “gave away massive amounts of munitions to Ukraine.” This contrasts with Trump’s earlier dismissals of significant shortages. In August, he had suggested only that some supplies were “a little bit tighter,” while a Pentagon report released in September warned that the US war effort against Iran had created serious “shortfalls” in munitions and caused bottlenecks in replenishment. Trump, however, dismissed the report as “mostly fake news,” asserting instead that the department holds “middle grade and upper middle grade” weaponry that is “stronger than it’s ever been before.”
In the interview, Trump also stated that the US is relying on certain ammunition types that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly declined to accept, describing these munitions as “very powerful.” He renewed his threat of escalating bombing campaigns against Iran unless Tehran agrees to concessions aimed at ending the seven-month conflict. When asked whether he would escalate air strikes following the US midterm elections on November 3, Trump responded simply, “Possible.”
Trump reiterated his view that annihilating Iran would result in broader international peace, saying, “By annihilating Iran, we’ve created peace in the world. With Iran, I don’t think you could ever have peace.” He also highlighted his role in safeguarding Israel and Saudi Arabia, stating, “If I weren’t president, Saudi Arabia wouldn’t be here right now. Neither would Israel. They’d be wiped off the face of the planet.”
The interview took place shortly before a reported attempted hijacking of an Israel-bound aircraft. Trump's remarks reflect ongoing tensions related to US-Iran relations and highlight concerns about the sustainability of US munitions stockpiles amid multiple global engagements.