Trump Dismisses Ammunition Worries as US-Iran Conflict Escalates
US President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about depleted US ammunition stockpiles in the conflict with Iran, calling it 'a relatively little war' and claiming the country has 'tremendous amounts, unlimited amounts' of older mid-grade and lower-grade munitions.
In a press conference on August 31, Trump said that only 'so-called exquisite stuff', high-tech missiles and other advanced arms, was in short supply. He emphasized that Iran's economy and military have been severely degraded by US sanctions and pressure.
The exchange of fire came after the US struck Iranian mine-laying positions on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to launch missiles at two American air bases in Jordan. The renewed hostilities ended a period in which Washington had leaned more heavily on economic coercion than military action to pressure Iran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled that Washington intends to intensify its economic campaign against Iran, telling reporters that new sanctions targeting banks and other entities could be unveiled on a weekly basis. The measures are designed to punish third countries that continue buying Iranian crude, with China among the most prominent targets given it purchases roughly 90% of Iran's oil exports.