Trump fumes over ammunition shortage leaks as Iran mocks his threats: 'We don't need more theater'

President Trump has expressed frustration in recent private discussions over media reports about diminishing U.S. Ammunition stockpiles, which he believes undermine American strength during a critical period of tensions with Iran, according to senior U.S. Officials cited by CNN. The president has repeatedly issued military threats aimed at pressuring Tehran toward a negotiated agreement.

In response to Trump's latest threat of military action, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted a message in English on social media: "'Massive attack coming... wait, never mind, they want to negotiate.' That's theater diplomacy on loop. Using bullying + broken promises + fake news as leverage is a failed strategy. Acknowledge the facts and fulfill your commitments. We don't need more theater."

The ammunition issue dominated discussions at a Cabinet meeting at Camp David last week, according to six sources briefed on the gathering. Trump raised concerns about the media coverage of reduced stockpiles, though he had been aware of potential ammunition problems for months. His anger centered on the public nature of the disclosures at a moment when he sought to project military strength.

Trump denied the shortage reports on his Truth Social platform, stating the U.S. Has "tremendous amounts" Of ammunition and that "large quantities are being produced and sent to the U.S. as needed." He alleged that "the leakers of these treasonous statements are under surveillance" And demanded "long prison sentences."

White House officials said Trump had not personally blamed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with the president later posting that he is "very satisfied with the job Pete Hegseth is doing" And attributing reports to "fake news." However, The Washington Post reported that Trump had demanded answers from Hegseth over what he viewed as an incomplete briefing on severe munitions shortages, particularly in long-range missiles and interceptors - a factor influencing Trump's decision to hold back broader strikes against Iran recently.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the confrontation accounts as "100% fake news," While Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell denied that Hegseth misled the president or deflected responsibility to his deputy, Steve Feinberg.

Trump has directed the Justice Department to identify those leaking information from within the administration. Persian Gulf leaders have also expressed concern that air defense system shortages could compromise their ability to counter Iranian retaliation if the confrontation escalates, according to officials.