Ankara: US President Donald Trump has paused plans to significantly escalate military operations against Iran, citing concerns over dwindling American air defense missile stocks, as reported by the New York Times on Saturday. This decision followed a high-level meeting on Friday with senior advisers and Cabinet officials.
According to Anadolu Agency, military officials expressed warnings that renewing major combat operations could dangerously deplete Patriot interceptors and other munitions required to protect US troops and bases in the Middle East, including locations in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. The Trump administration also fears that further escalation might provoke heavier Iranian retaliation, alienate Gulf allies, and exacerbate global energy and refugee crises.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reportedly informed officials that while a major operation is technically feasible, it would significantly reduce the air defense munitions available to the US military's Central Command. The urgency of these concerns intensified after an incident in which three US soldiers in Jordan were killed by an Iranian ballistic missile that breached American defenses during a missile and drone assault.
The New York Times, citing internal estimates and congressional officials, noted that the Pentagon has already utilized over 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles in the conflict, leaving missile inventories at worrisome levels. President Trump had been contemplating a multistage bombing campaign targeting Iranian coastal radars, anti-ship missile launchers, attack boats, and other sites linked to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Additional targets under consideration included energy facilities, railway bridges used for military supply movement, and Iranian nuclear sites.
In recent days, the Pentagon had mobilized more forces, weapons, and supplies to the Middle East in preparation for a potential escalation. However, some officials questioned whether an expanded bombing campaign would compel Tehran to return to negotiations, warning instead that further strikes might bolster internal cohesion within Iran.
Trump's advisers have recommended that he continue negotiations, uphold a naval blockade, and intensify economic pressure on Tehran for an extended period.