Trump Temporarily Halts Attacks on Iran as US Ammunition Stocks Dwindle
The United States has temporarily halted its attacks on Iran after 13 consecutive days of bombing. President Donald Trump reportedly postponed plans for a war escalation amid concerns that supplies of Patriot interceptor missiles and other air defence ammunition are running low.
The New York Times and Axios reported that Trump made the decision after nearly two weeks of non-stop military operations. Citing officials in the Trump administration, The New York Times said the decision was taken amidst fears that an intensification of the war could dangerously deplete already dwindling stocks of Patriot interceptors and other air defence munitions in the Middle East.
The decision reportedly followed a meeting between Trump and his top advisers and senior cabinet members on Friday. It reflects his willingness to give diplomacy more room and an acknowledgement that the current level of US strikes had reached the limits of its effectiveness without returning to large-scale combat operations.
However, the reports also cited sources saying the US military continues to prepare plans should large-scale combat operations become necessary again. The pause in strikes has revived hopes for renewed talks between Washington and Tehran after almost two weeks of nightly bombing, though US media also assessed that the decision was influenced by pressure on Patriot missile and other air defence system stockpiles.
Earlier, fighting in the Strait of Hormuz derailed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. The conflict subsequently expanded from the vital energy corridor to include attacks on US bases, regional shipping lanes, and Washington’s Gulf allies. CNN also reported that US operations against Iran have been suspended, citing an unnamed Pentagon source. The report emerged after Trump threatened on Friday to launch attacks at a much higher level. When asked on Friday, Trump said he had not yet decided whether to resume large-scale military operations, stating, ‘We are talking to them now. I think they are getting more serious.’ He added that Iran faced a choice between a deal and attacks on a far greater scale. The war, which Trump initially predicted would last only four to five weeks, is now approaching its fifth month and is weighing on Republican approval ratings ahead of the US midterm elections in November.