Has Iran Conflict Drained US Weapons Stockpiles? Taiwan Arms Sale Put On Pause

Last Updated:May 22, 2026, 11:44 IST

Neither the US State Department nor the Pentagon immediately commented on US Navy Secretary Hung Cao's remarks.

Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao said on Thursday that the United States had temporarily paused arms sales to Taiwan to ensure adequate ammunition supplies for ongoing operations linked to Iran.

During a congressional hearing, Cao was questioned about Taiwan’s pending $14 billion weapons purchase. Responding to the query, he said the pause was aimed at maintaining sufficient munitions for “Epic Fury".

“right now we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury — which we have plenty."

“But, we’re just making sure we have everything, then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary."

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Neither the US State Department nor the Pentagon immediately commented on Cao’s remarks.

The issue has added to concerns over Donald Trump’s position on support for Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. Trump has not yet confirmed whether the arms sale will proceed.

Before his recent state visit to China, Trump said he planned to discuss the Taiwan arms deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking a shift from Washington’s earlier position that it would not consult Beijing on such matters.

Following the visit, Trump stated that he had not made any commitments to Xi on Taiwan and said a decision on the arms sales would be taken “over the next fairly short period of time."

While the United States officially recognises Beijing, American law requires Washington to provide defensive weapons to Taiwan. China, meanwhile, has repeatedly asserted its claim over the island and has increased military pressure in recent years, while refusing to rule out the use of force.

(With inputs from AFP)

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