Trump orders new inquiry into leaked US ammunition reserve details
US President Donald Trump has ordered a fresh investigation into the unauthorised disclosure of information regarding Pentagon ammunition reserves. The move follows the publication of reports about a depletion in certain US missile inventories and its potential impact on military operations in a war with Iran. According to The Wall Street Journal, government sources said Trump is angered by the release of details concerning the status of US weapons reserves. These reports emerged in recent weeks regarding dwindling missile stockpiles and narrower strategic options for Washington to compel Tehran to dismantle its nuclear programme or reach a broader resolution to the war. US administration officials maintain that the nation's military reserves remain sufficient for ongoing active operations. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the United States possesses the most powerful military in human history and has more than enough firepower to execute any operation ordered by the president at any time and place. Leavitt added that anyone with access to classified military information who provides it to the media betrays public trust, violates federal laws, and must face the harshest legal penalties. She said Trump will pursue the enforcement of these laws without exception. Responding to reporters' questions at the White House on Thursday regarding overall ammunition reserve levels, Trump stated that quantities of certain types of ammunition vary, adding that they always want more. At the same time, he stressed that the United States is in very good shape, stating they truly have massive amounts of ammunition. The Wall Street Journal sources said Trump had privately expressed concern that the publication of reports concerning pressure on weapons reserves would embolden Iranian leaders and reduce US leverage in nuclear negotiations. According to the report, the US president reviewed current reserve statuses and future operational needs in meetings with War Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior national security advisers. These developments follow a report published on Wednesday by The Washington Post. Citing two knowledgeable sources, the newspaper reported that Trump questioned Hegseth during a cabinet meeting at Camp David about a severe shortage of missiles that sources said has restricted US military activity against Iran. Trump reportedly said he assumed the problem had been resolved and criticised not having been informed beforehand. The Washington Post reported that Hegseth defended his performance at the meeting and accused Deputy War Secretary Stephen Feinberg of failing to adequately brief the administration. However, US administration officials denied any cabinet rifts. Leavitt dismissed The Washington Post report as one hundred per cent fake news, stating that the incident literally never happened and that Trump has the utmost confidence in Hegseth. Sean Parnell, senior Pentagon spokesperson, also stated that Hegseth had not misled anyone regarding the ammunition situation and had not blamed Feinberg. He described the claims regarding depleted reserves, internal disputes, and Hegseth's stance on Iran as completely fabricated.