Bernd Debusmann

Donald Trump rejects reports that the United States is running short of missiles and other weapons after extensive use in its conflict with Iran, calling reports of shortages false and threatening lengthy prison terms for alleged leakers. Reports cited by CBS News and The Washington Post, which BBC could not independently verify, indicate that U.S. stocks of long-range missiles and missile interceptors have fallen substantially. CSIS estimates that roughly 759–827 Patriot missiles remained by late July, compared with about 2,330 before the war, while around 60% of the country’s THAAD interceptors had reportedly been used. Continued weapons demands from Ukraine add pressure to U.S. inventories, while replacing advanced weapons requires lengthy production and procurement processes. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insist supplies remain sufficient, while Iran claims its domestic weapons industry can withstand continued attacks.

The Supreme Court upheld a Mississippi law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by election day to be counted if they arrive up to five days later, rejecting arguments from Donald Trump and Republican groups that federal law requires ballots to be received by election day. Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the majority opinion, while Justice Samuel Alito dissented, warning of potential fraud. The ruling affects deadlines in multiple states ahead of the midterm elections. Trump and Republican leaders criticized the decision, while officials in several states welcomed it, noting research showing extremely rare instances of mail‑in voting fraud.