Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), said he is not concerned about the levels of U.S. ammunition stockpiles, despite reports that a significant portion of the reserves has been depleted during the military confrontation with Iran.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Norah O’Donnell on the CBS News program Face the Nation, Cooper said the United States is ready and prepared to respond to any contingency, dismissing concerns about the amount of ammunition currently available to U.S. forces.
CENTCOM Commander Says U.S. Is Ready for Any Contingency
During the interview, O’Donnell asked Cooper whether the large quantities of ammunition used during the conflict with Iran had raised concerns about the remaining U.S. stockpiles.
“I’m not concerned at all. We’re ready and prepared for any contingency,” Cooper responded.
O’Donnell noted that the United States had used roughly 45% of its Patriot missile inventory, as well as more than half of its stockpile of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missiles.
She then asked Cooper again whether those levels of consumption were a cause for concern for the U.S. military.
Cooper reiterated his position, saying: “I’m not concerned.”
His comments underscored the U.S. military leadership’s assessment that current ammunition levels do not pose a threat to the ability of American forces to respond to potential military developments.
Trump Says U.S. Is Producing Ammunition at Unprecedented Levels
Cooper’s remarks came as President Donald Trump has also sought to reassure the public about the United States’ ability to meet its ammunition requirements and maintain its military readiness.
Earlier this month, Trump said the United States had what he described as “practically unlimited” quantities of high-quality medium- and high-end ammunition. He also sharply criticized journalists who reported on the potential depletion of U.S. ammunition stockpiles during the confrontation with Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States was producing ammunition at “levels never seen before,” stressing that his administration was also working to build up stockpiles and prepare for any potential contingency.
The president added that U.S. weapons sales to allies would resume “soon,” as his administration continues to strengthen military inventories and prepare for a range of possible scenarios amid ongoing tensions linked to the confrontation with Iran.
The statements by Cooper and Trump reflect the administration’s continued emphasis on the readiness of U.S. forces and their ability to respond to potential military developments, despite reports that have raised questions about the amount of ammunition consumed during the latest confrontation.
