Trump Rejects Munitions Shortage Claims as Reason for Pausing Iran Strikes - Report

We have far more munitions than anyone in the world, and far more than we need, he asserted.

US forces operating in the Strait of Hormuz, July 17, 2026.

(photo credit: Screenshot/X/@PeteHegseth)

ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

JULY 27, 2026 09:37

Updated: JULY 27, 2026 09:40

US President Donald Trump paused strikes against Iran amid growing debate over the nation's declining munitions stock and its effect on ongoing conflicts, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday night, drawing from US officials close to the situation.

Over the weekend Trump chose not to resume strikes, even though military planners had prepared for a large-scale offensive that might extend up to two weeks, according to those officials.

The officials noted that Trump could still direct an attack on Iran, emphasizing that the situation remains fluid.

In comments to the Wall Street Journal, Trump rejected suggestions that munitions shortages drove his choice to stop strikes against Iran following 13 straight days of bombing.

We have far more munitions than anyone in the world, and far more than we need, he asserted.

Dan Caine, Brad Cooper See Renewed Iran Strikes as Possible

Yet according to the officials, other senior US figures have expressed different views.

Officials informed the Wall Street Journal that US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine worries about shrinking inventories but views a munitions shortage as an added risk if strikes against Iran restart, rather than a complete barrier to operations.

Additional officials cited by the Wall Street Journal indicated that US Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper shares a comparable outlook.

According to the officials, Cooper holds that the US could manage any munitions shortfall if strikes resume, since approved American attacks would substantially impair Iran's missile-launching ability.

The Wall Street Journal noted that the White House has warned that media outlets publishing precise figures on the US munitions stockpile would create a national security risk.

A reduced munitions inventory poses a near-term risk in the event of broader global conflict, the Wall Street Journal reported, referencing an April analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

A war against a capable peer competitor like China will consume munitions at greater rates than in this war, it continued.

US Maintains Diplomatic Efforts While Ready for Military Action

On Saturday, sources familiar with the administration's decision process told The Jerusalem Post that Trump has not reached a final call on launching a major strike against Iran.

As the president stated on Friday, the United States continues diplomatic discussions with Tehran while keeping the military option fully prepared.

We are locked and loaded, Trump said, adding that Washington could intensify its military campaign to a much higher level if required, though his favored path remains a negotiated agreement.

Idan Kweller, Tzvi Jasper, Yonah Jeremy Bob, and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.