US-Iran War: Trump Reportedly Shedding Plan to Expand Military Campaign as Fighter Missile Stockpile Runs Out | Today’s news
The United States on Saturday (local time) suspended its airstrikes on Iran for the first time in nearly two weeks as clashes between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia escalated, with President Donald Trump reportedly suspending plans to significantly expand the US military campaign amid concerns that a prolonged conflict could further deplete already depleted stockpiles of Patriot anti-missile munitions in the Middle East.
Citing Trump administration officials, The New York Times said on Saturday that threats to stockpiles are one of many reasons a return to expanding military operations is risky.
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Will Patriot Missile Fighters Run Out of Stock Soon?
In addition, the US president and his top officials fear the prospect of a widening war in the Middle East, which could strain relations with key Gulf allies vulnerable to Iranian attacks while triggering a global economic slowdown and worsening energy and refugee crises.
At least three US service members were killed in Jordan last week after an Iranian ballistic missile penetrated US air defenses amid widespread missile and drone fire, a senior US official said.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, has privately warned the US president that resuming major military operations against Tehran is feasible, but added that such a move would severely deplete the country’s interceptors at the military’s Central Command, which is responsible for operations in the Middle East.
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Trump issued a “locked and loaded” warning to Tehran.
The development on Trump’s handling of the conflict with Iran comes after he held a meeting with top advisers and senior members of his cabinet on Friday (local time), The New York Times reported, citing sources who noted that private discussions focused on the Pentagon’s depleting stockpile of Patriot fighter jets and other air defenses.
Before the meeting began, the US president indicated that the US military was ready to carry out heavier strikes if ordered to do so, while leaving the door open to a diplomatic solution. Speaking to reporters before the meeting, he said: “Look, we’re locked and loaded,” adding: “We’re ready to go, but we’re talking to them, so there may or may not be a tipping point.”
Diplomacy or Attacks: Trump Confused by Iran War Progress
According to the report, Trump is struggling with how to proceed in the Iran war that began nearly five months ago. Specifically, it is grappling with how to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as oil and gas prices rise again amid renewed hostilities in the past two weeks. With diplomacy breaking down and Washington launching a sweeping round of strikes, the move does not appear to have had any effect on Tehran’s military response.
Few members of Trump’s inner circle supported expanding the military campaign, according to two people familiar with the discussions. A senior US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also expressed skepticism that renewed large-scale combat operations would persuade Iran to return to negotiations.
Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, said the president “has always said consistently that he prefers a diplomatic solution, but continues to reserve all options if Iran continues to engage in terrorist activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against allies.” He added that after Iran endured crippling sanctions and repeated strikes, “it would be wise to push for a negotiated agreement, otherwise it knows what will happen.”
Read also | Nearly half of US military stocks depleted during Iran war: Report
The US and Iran have resumed hostilities
After an interim cease-fire deal collapsed earlier this month following Tehran’s continued attacks on vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, the two sides renewed hostilities, with Washington launching 13 consecutive nights of airstrikes and halting them on Saturday as fighting between the Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudis escalated.
As both sides continue trade strikes, they have also indicated they are open to diplomatic talks to end the war.
