Pete Hegseth denied a CNN report that the United States had used 80 percent of its air defense missiles, according to reports. The CNN report, which had drawn criticism from the US Defense Secretary, claimed the US expended about 80% of its THAAD interceptors and half of its Patriot missiles.
Pete Hegseth denied a CNN report Wednesday morning that the United States had used 80 percent of its air defense missiles, according to reports. The denial adds a new official voice to the dispute over US missile stockpile depletion during the war with Iran.
The story unfolded Tuesday afternoon with a Reuters report citing three sources that the US expended most of its surface-to-surface missiles and half of its Tomahawk cruise missiles. An unverified claim then emerged that the US Army used about 80% of its primary interceptors. The Zioneer published an analysis of specific missile types and Tehran's diplomatic tactics. Later Tuesday, CNN reported on the record that the US expended about 80% of its THAAD interceptors and half of its Patriot missiles — a significant corroboration of the earlier unverified claims.
Early Wednesday, the US Defense Secretary blasted CNN over the report, calling it 'false' and 'a disgrace,' as The Zioneer reported. Hegseth's denial follows that criticism, adding a second official rejection of the CNN figures.
However, the CNN report remains sourced on the record, and the denial has not been independently corroborated. The exact state of US missile stockpiles remains unverified by a third party.
6 developments
- DevelopingTrump says overnight strikes destroyed ~55% of rebuilt Iranian air defenses
- DevelopingUS soldiers say Pentagon downplayed their injuries after Iran drone strike in Kuwait
- StrongUS media highlight Pentagon denial of help intercepting Iranian missiles; IDF says US did assist
- DevelopingUS facing dwindling Patriot and THAAD missile stockpiles, report says
Source and signal
- Open-source intake