The United States has temporarily suspended a planned $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan due to the ongoing military situation in Iran. Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed the decision during a Senate hearing, explaining that the pause aims to ensure sufficient ammunition and weapons reserves for the joint US-Israel military operation in Iran, codenamed 'Epic Fury'. He added that the sale could resume once the administration deems it appropriate.
A spokesperson for Taiwan’s presidential office said they had not received any official notification from Washington regarding a suspension or change in the arms deal. The package reportedly includes Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 air defense missiles and surface-to-air systems, awaiting final approval from President Donald Trump for several months.
China has long opposed US arms sales to Taiwan, claiming the island as its own territory. Following a recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump described the Taiwan arms issue as a key bargaining point in US-China discussions and hinted at a forthcoming decision. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te continues to view US defense support as vital for regional stability amid growing Chinese military pressure.