U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant expansion of American weapons manufacturing, following an agreement with leading defense contractors to quadruple production of what he called “Exquisite Class” weaponry.
This March 6, 2026, decision comes as conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran intensifies in the Middle East on its sixth day with widespread missile strikes and air operations.
Trump stated that the decision followed a high-level meeting with chief executives from major U.S. defense manufacturers, including BAE Systems, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon Technologies.
According to the president, the companies agreed to rapidly increase output of advanced weapons systems to expand available stockpiles.
“We just concluded a very good meeting with the largest U.S. Defense manufacturing companies where we discussed production and production schedules,” Trump said in a statement.
He added that preparations for the manufacturing surge had already begun before the meeting.
“They have agreed to quadruple Production of the “Exquisite Class” Weaponry in that we want to reach, as rapidly as possible, the highest levels of quantity. Expansion began three months prior to the meeting, and plants and production of many of these weapons are already underway.”
Trump highlights “virtually unlimited” munitions
The president also claimed the United States currently has “virtually unlimited supplies” of medium-grade munitions, which he said have already been used in ongoing operations.
“We have a virtually unlimited supply of medium and upper medium grade munitions, which we are using, as an example, in Iran, and recently used in Venezuela,” Trump said, adding that new orders have also been placed to further expand those inventories.
Also Read: Trump Unveils $20 Billion Insurance Shield for Ships Crossing Vital Oil Route
The president at the same time indicated the expansion could result in new manufacturing facilities nationwide, with several states already competing to host them.
“States all over the country are bidding for these new plants,” he noted, suggesting the buildup could also create jobs and regional investment tied to the defense sector.
A follow-up meeting with defense executives is scheduled in two months to review production progress and timelines.
War escalation in the Middle East
The announcement comes as military operations escalate in the Middle East involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
Earlier Friday, Israeli warplanes reportedly struck targets in Beirut and Tehran, while U.S. forces reportedly destroyed an Iranian drone carrier at sea.
The Israeli military also claimed to have destroyed major infrastructure targets linked to the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said some countries had begun mediation efforts to reduce tensions.
“Let’s be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation’s dignity and sovereignty,” Pezeshkian wrote on social media.
Trump has however rejected the idea of negotiations for now, stating that the only acceptable outcome is Iran’s “unconditional surrender” in a statement on Friday.
Also Read: Masoud Pezeshkian Asks Mediators to Start with Nations That underestimated Iran’s Power
“There will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender.”
Trump also suggested that after the conflict, the United States and its allies would help rebuild Iran’s economy under new leadership.
“After that, and the selection of a great and acceptable leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before,” he said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on her part stated that future actions will depend on whether Iran is ultimately considered no longer a threat to U.S. interests or the objectives of the current military campaign.
Leavitt said that when Trump determines Iran “no longer poses a threat to the United States” and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been met, Iran will effectively be in a state of “unconditional surrender”. She added that the U.S. expects the war to go on for approximately four to six more weeks.
On Wednesday, Trump said he has to be “involved” in choosing the successor of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a U.S.-Israeli attack on Saturday.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
