The Trump administration has paused a proposed $14 billion weapons sale to Taiwan while the Pentagon prioritizes munitions stockpiles tied to ongoing military operations involving Iran.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The United States has temporarily halted a major arms package intended for Taiwan as defense officials redirect attention toward maintaining weapons inventories needed for military operations connected to Iran, according to testimony delivered before Congress this week.
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed the pause Thursday during a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing while responding to questions from Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
According to Cao, the administration decided to delay the approximately $14 billion arms package in order to preserve sufficient munitions supplies for Operation Epic Fury, the name used for current U.S. military operations involving Iran.
“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,” Cao told lawmakers during the hearing.
He added that foreign military sales would continue “when the administration deems necessary.”
Cao said final authority regarding the Taiwan weapons package rests with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
McConnell responded by warning that delays in arms transfers to Taiwan could undermine American deterrence efforts in the Indo-Pacific region amid growing tensions involving China.
The proposed sale has become increasingly sensitive as the Trump administration balances military readiness requirements tied to the Middle East while also managing strategic commitments in Asia.
President Donald Trump recently offered a separate explanation regarding the delayed weapons package during an interview with Fox News following discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“We’re going to see what happens. I may do it; I may not do it,” Trump said when asked about the Taiwan arms transfer.
The administration has not publicly detailed which specific weapons systems or munitions are included in the paused package.
The delay comes as U.S. military operations tied to Iran continue to place pressure on American weapons stockpiles, particularly precision-guided munitions and missile defense systems that have seen increased deployment demand.
Taiwan has long sought expanded U.S. military assistance as Beijing continues increasing military pressure near the island through naval patrols, aircraft incursions, and large-scale military exercises.
The pause also reflects broader concerns inside the Pentagon about maintaining sufficient weapons reserves while supporting multiple global security commitments simultaneously.
Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has announced a timeline for when the Taiwan package could move forward.
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