The United States has indefinitely suspended the delivery of hundreds of Tomahawk missiles to Japan due to an arms shortage caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, according to a report by the Financial Times. The report states that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi of the decision during a phone call in early May.

Citing multiple sources familiar with the discussions, the Financial Times reported that the military situation surrounding Iran has placed pressure on U.S. weapons stockpiles, prompting the delay in Japan’s scheduled missile deliveries. American Enterprise Institute Asia security expert Zack Cooper noted that despite pledges to prioritize Asia, the Pentagon is currently giving greater attention to the Middle East.

Analysts suggest the decision reflects how rising tensions in the Middle East are directly influencing U.S. global military supply chains and strategic priorities, with potential long-term effects on Washington’s Asian allies even after the Iran conflict ends.