US Halts $14bn Arms Sale to Taiwan Due to Concerns Over Weapons Stockpile Related to Iran War

The US has put a hold on the $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan as the Pentagon shifts its focus to munitions for the war in Iran. Taiwan is now awaiting further clarification on the situation.

The United States has halted a $14 billion (£10.4 billion) arms sale to Taiwan, citing the necessity to maintain weapons stockpiles due to ongoing military operations associated with the Iran conflict.

US acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed the suspension during a Senate hearing on Thursday, stating that the decision aims to ensure adequate munitions are available for what he described as “Epic Fury,” the US-Israel joint military operation in Iran.

He stated that the pause is temporary and that foreign military sales to Taiwan will resume when the administration considers it appropriate.

“Currently, we are implementing a pause to ensure we have the necessary munitions for Epic Fury, and we have an ample supply,” Cao informed lawmakers, noting that he had not communicated with Taiwanese officials concerning the suspension.

The announcement closely follows President Donald Trump’s uncertain stance on the deal, referring to it as “a very good negotiating chip” with China and stating that he would reach a decision “over the next fairly short period.”

A spokesperson for Taiwan’s presidential office stated on Friday that Taipei had not received any official notification regarding changes to the arms package.

The action is expected to increase sensitivities with Beijing, which asserts Taiwan as its territory and has consistently opposed US arms sales to the island. China has cautioned that such agreements could heighten tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Trump has indicated he might engage in direct conversation with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te about the sale — a shift from established diplomatic norms that could exacerbate tensions with China. Direct high-level contact between US and Taiwan presidents has been infrequent for decades.

The pause comes after recent conversations between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Taiwan was said to be a key focus of discussion. While US law and past assurances have typically refrained from engaging Beijing in discussions regarding arms sales to Taipei, Trump suggested that the matter was addressed “in excellent detail.”

Taiwan has raised its defense budget in reaction to escalating military pressure from China, with President Lai Ching-te consistently emphasizing the importance of US weapons sales for maintaining regional stability.