Insiders claim Trump ignored warnings before launching costly Iran missile strike

Insiders at the White House told President Donald Trump that launching missile strikes against Iran carried serious risks, including a potential shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and a shortage of critical weapons. Despite these alerts, Trump proceeded, believing a swift defeat of Iran by U.S. and Israeli forces would avert the threats. Five months on, the conflict has exposed a deep depletion of U.S. long-range munitions and Patriot interceptors, a problem that existed before the war and has worsened.

Swan noted that the White House is downplaying the shortage, even as it threatens readiness for other scenarios, such as a possible clash with China. He also said Trump's team recently floated a plan for a major escalation that would have required many more bombs and missiles, fully aware of the dwindling supplies. The situation leaves the administration facing both strategic and economic challenges.