WASHINGTON (AP) — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday dismissed concerns that the American military is running low on munitions, calling the issue a “manufactured story” promoted by the media. His remarks came just hours before Washington and Tehran announced a deal to end the Middle East war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.
The debate over stockpiles intensified last month when Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao cited the conflict as a reason for pausing arms sales to Taiwan. Hegseth, speaking on CBS News’ Face the Nation, insisted inventories remain strong. “Our stockpiles are great and they’re only getting stronger,” he said, adding that the Trump administration has been replenishing supplies “in real time” after large transfers of weapons to Ukraine.
At an April congressional hearing, Hegseth testified that replenishment could take “months and years,” describing that as a relatively fast timeline. On Sunday, he clarified that some munitions take longer than others to replace. The Pentagon has estimated the war with Iran has cost nearly S29 billion, though Democrats and other critics argue the true figure including damage inflicted by Iran could be far higher.
Democratic Senator Mark Kelly warned earlier this year that inventories of Tomahawk missiles, Patriot interceptors and other advanced weapons had been severely drawn down and could take years to rebuild. His comments reflect broader concerns in Congress about the strain of simultaneous conflicts on US defense readiness, particularly as Washington balances commitments in Europe and Asia.
The issue of munitions stockpiles has become a flashpoint in the wider debate over US military preparedness. Analysts note that while the Pentagon has ramped up production, defense contractors face supply chain challenges and long lead times for advanced systems. The war’s financial toll has also raised questions about whether current spending levels are sustainable.
With the US Iran peace deal now in place, attention is likely to shift from immediate battlefield demands to longer‑term questions about defense production, procurement, and whether the Pentagon can sustain readiness while meeting global obligations. The outcome will be closely watched by allies and rivals alike, as America’s ability to maintain its arsenal remains central to its global military posture.
