President Donald Trump reportedly clashed with Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth over America's extreme munitions shortages, according to two people familiar with the exchange. The confrontation allegedly took place at the Camp David summit over the weekend, highlighting Trump's growing frustration with Hegseth, an early advocate for military action against Iran.
White House denies confrontation
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied the report, stating on X: "I was at Camp David with President Trump and Secretary Hegseth." She added, "This literally never happened, and we told the Washington Post that repeatedly."
Leavitt continued: "This B.S. story was shopped to many outlets by someone clearly out to disparage the Secretary, for whatever reason. Unfortunately for them, the President loves the Secretary and thinks he's doing a tremendous job. FAKE NEWS!"
Iran-Oman agreement over Strait of Hormuz
The alleged clash comes as Iran announced it is in the "final stage" of drafting an agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump previously indicated a deal could be announced this week, potentially reopening the waterway for commercial shipping.
The strait has been a major issue in the war. The US and Israel conducted joint strikes on Iranian sites on February 28, prompting Iran to retaliate and close the waterway. The agreement is likely contingent on the US lifting its blockade on Iran's ports.
The Trump administration has ruled out any deal that would cement Iran's control over the strait, which would be a major loss for the US. Iran insists on some measure of control, saying it will not return to being the open international waterway it was before the war.
