AFP, Washington

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that the American military was facing a munitions stockpile shortage, saying on Sunday that it was a “manufactured story” peddled by the media.

Hegseth’s comments came hours before the United States and Iran said they reached a deal to end the Middle East war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Concerns over the Middle East war straining US weapons stockpiles deepened last month after Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao cited the conflict as a reason for pausing arms sales to Taiwan.

Hegseth dismissed the idea when asked on CBS News’ Face the Nation if there was a crisis in munitions stockpiles.

“That is a manufactured story that the media wants to peddle, and ultimately our stockpiles are great and they’re only getting stronger,” he said.

“We’re building more than ever before. The Biden administration gave away hundreds of billions to Ukraine, and so President Trump had to refill, and he has, and we have, in real time.”

At an April congressional hearing, Hegseth testified that it could take “months and years” to replenish the stockpile, describing it as a “fast” time frame.