US Pauses Taiwan Arms Sales Amid Iran Conflict, Taipei Uninformed
The United States has paused foreign military sales to Taiwan, citing the need to replenish munitions for "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran, according to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao. Taiwan’s government stated it received no official notification of the delay, while President Trump remains undecided on a proposed $14 billion arms package. China, which claims Taiwan, has long opposed such sales. The pause has caused confusion and raised concerns over U.S.-China-Taiwan relations and regional security.
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U.S. Suspends Arms Shipments to Taiwan Amid Iran Conflict
The United States has suspended a multi-billion dollar arms sale to Taiwan, valued at approximately $11 billion, which was approved in December 2025. The package includes HIMARS launchers and ATACMS systems. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the pause during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, citing the need to ensure munitions are available for Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign against Iran. Cao stated that foreign military sales will resume once the administration deems it necessary. Several European countries have also been notified of potential delays in their weapons deliveries due to the same reason.
Defence24.comU.S. Suspends $11 Billion Arms Shipments to Taiwan Due to Iran Conflict
The United States has suspended a multi-billion dollar arms shipment to Taiwan, originally approved in December 2025. The package, valued at approximately $11 billion and including HIMARS launchers and ATACMS systems, is being paused due to U.S. military involvement in the war against Iran. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao stated during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing that the pause is necessary to ensure sufficient munitions for Operation 'Epic Fury.' He assured that foreign military sales to Taiwan would resume once the administration deems it appropriate. The Pentagon has also informed several European countries of potential delays in their own weapons deliveries. The suspension marks a significant shift in U.S. arms policy toward Taiwan amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.
Defence24.comU.S. Suspends Arms Shipments to Taiwan Due to Iran Conflict
The United States has suspended a multi-billion dollar arms sale to Taiwan, valued at approximately $11 billion, which includes HIMARS launchers and ATACMS systems. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the pause during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, citing the need to ensure sufficient munitions for Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign against Iran. Cao stated that foreign military sales to Taiwan will resume once the administration deems it necessary. The Pentagon has also informed several European countries of potential delays in their weapons deliveries. The decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Taiwan amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Defence24.comU.S. Suspends Arms Shipments to Taiwan Amid Iran Conflict
The United States has suspended a multi-billion dollar arms sale to Taiwan, valued at approximately $11 billion, which includes HIMARS launchers and ATACMS systems. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the pause during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, citing the need to ensure munitions are available for Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign against Iran. Cao stated that foreign military sales will resume once the administration deems it necessary. The decision also affects some European countries, which have been informed of potential delays in their own weapons deliveries. The suspension marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Taiwan, driven by immediate military priorities in the Middle East.
Defence24.comU.S. Suspends Arms Shipments to Taiwan Due to Iran Conflict
The United States has suspended a multi-billion dollar arms shipment to Taiwan, valued at approximately $11 billion, which included HIMARS launchers and ATACMS systems. The decision was announced by Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. Cao stated that the pause is necessary to ensure the U.S. has sufficient munitions for Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing war against Iran. He assured that foreign military sales to Taiwan will resume once the administration deems it appropriate. The Pentagon has also informed several European countries of potential delays in their weapons deliveries. The suspension marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Taiwan amid escalating U.S.-Iran hostilities.
Defence24.comTrump to Decide Soon on Taiwan Arms Sales, Source Says
A source familiar with the matter told CNA that U.S. President Donald Trump will decide soon on a proposed US$14 billion arms package for Taiwan, refuting media reports that the delay was due to the ongoing war with Iran. The source stated the sales process takes years and is unrelated to Operation Epic Fury. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said details remain pre-decisional until finalized by the President, reaffirming unchanged U.S. Taiwan policy under the Taiwan Relations Act. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao had earlier cited a pause to ensure sufficient munitions for the Iran conflict. Separately, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a resolution reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and urging formal notification of the arms package.
Latest | FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWSTaiwan Says No Notification of U.S. Arms Sale Pause Despite Navy Secretary's Comments
Taiwan's authorities stated on Friday that they have not received any official notification from the United States regarding a hold on a planned $14 billion arms sale to Taipei. This comes after acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao said a day earlier that some foreign military sales were being paused due to the ongoing Iran war. The discrepancy between the U.S. official's remarks and Taiwan's lack of notification highlights potential confusion or lack of coordination in the arms transfer process. The sale, which is one of the largest proposed U.S. arms deals to Taiwan, has significant implications for U.S.-China-Taiwan relations and regional security dynamics in the Taiwan Strait.
Just In NewsUS Pauses Arms Sales to Taiwan Amid Iran Conflict, Surprising Taipei
The United States has unexpectedly paused arms sales to Taiwan, according to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, citing the need to replenish stockpiles depleted by the US-Israeli attack on Iran. The pause, confirmed during a Senate hearing, blindsided Taiwan, which stated it was unaware of any adjustments. This follows President Donald Trump's earlier remarks that arms deliveries to Taiwan were a 'very good negotiating chip' with China, contradicting longstanding US policy. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te had previously hailed the sales as a key deterrent. Beijing, which views US-Taiwan military cooperation as a violation of the One-China policy, has long condemned such sales. The Pentagon has also warned European allies, including the UK, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia, of delays in weaponry deliveries due to the strain on US munitions from the Iran conflict.
RT - Daily newsTaiwan Says It Has Not Been Told of US Arms Sales Delays
Taiwan's government stated on Friday that it has received no official notification of delays in US arms sales, following a US official's suggestion of a pause. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing that the US is pausing foreign military sales to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for 'Epic Fury,' the US operation against Iran, but stated sales will resume when deemed necessary. This comes after President Trump said he was undecided on approving a new arms package potentially worth up to $14 billion. Taiwan's Presidential Office and defense ministry both confirmed they have not been informed of any adjustments, and the ministry continues to monitor US security cooperation policy. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly called for an end to US arms sales to the island.
Defense NewsTaiwan Says It Has Not Been Told by US of Arms Sales Delays
Taiwan's government stated on May 22, 2026, that it has not received any official notification from the United States regarding delays in arms sales, despite a senior U.S. official indicating a pause. Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing that the U.S. is pausing foreign military sales to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for 'Epic Fury,' the U.S. operation against Iran. He added that sales would resume when deemed necessary by the Defense Secretary and Secretary of State. The remarks follow President Donald Trump's statement after a summit with China's Xi Jinping that he was undecided on approving a new arms package potentially worth up to $14 billion. Taiwan's Presidential Office and defense ministry said they continue to monitor the situation and maintain close communication with the U.S. to ensure arms sales proceed as planned. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly called for the U.S. to stop such sales.
Military TimesTaiwan Says It Has Not Been Informed of US Arms Sales Delays
Taiwan's government stated on May 22, 2026, that it has not received any official notification from the United States regarding delays in arms sales, despite a senior U.S. official indicating a pause. U.S. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing that foreign military sales to Taiwan are on hold to ensure sufficient munitions for 'Epic Fury,' the U.S. operation against Iran. He added that sales would resume when deemed necessary by the Defense Secretary and Secretary of State. This follows President Donald Trump's statement after a summit with China's Xi Jinping that he was undecided on approving a new arms package potentially worth $14 billion. Taiwan's Presidential Office and defense ministry said they continue to monitor U.S. policy and maintain close communication, expecting sales to proceed as planned. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly urged the U.S. to stop arms sales to the island.
Military TimesTaiwan Says It Has Not Been Informed of US Arms Sales Delays
Taiwan's government stated on Friday that it has not received any official notification from the United States regarding delays in arms sales, despite a senior US official's suggestion of a pause. US Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing that foreign military sales to Taiwan are currently paused to ensure sufficient munitions for 'Epic Fury', the US operation against Iran, but will resume when deemed necessary. This follows President Donald Trump's statement after his summit with China's Xi Jinping that he was undecided on approving a new arms package potentially worth up to $14 billion. Taiwan's Presidential Office and defense ministry both said they have not been informed of any adjustments, and the ministry continues to monitor US security cooperation policy while maintaining close communication with Washington. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly called for the US to stop arms sales to the island.
Defense NewsTaiwan Says It Has Not Been Told of US Arms Sales Delays
Taiwan's government stated on Friday that it has not received any official notification from the United States regarding delays in arms sales, following a US official's suggestion of a pause. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing that the US is pausing foreign military sales to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for 'Epic Fury,' the US operation against Iran, but that sales would resume when deemed necessary. This comes after President Donald Trump said he was undecided on approving a new arms package potentially worth up to $14 billion, following his summit with China's Xi Jinping. Taiwan's Presidential Office and defense ministry both said they have not been informed of any adjustments. The US is legally bound to help Taiwan defend itself, while China continues to demand an end to arms sales, asserting its sovereignty claim over the island.
Defense NewsTaiwan Says It Has Not Been Informed of US Arms Sales Delays
Taiwan's government stated on Friday that it has received no official notification from the United States regarding delays in arms sales, despite a senior U.S. official indicating a pause. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing that the U.S. is temporarily pausing foreign military sales to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for 'Epic Fury,' the U.S. operation against Iran. He added that sales would resume when deemed necessary by the Defense Secretary and Secretary of State. This follows President Trump's statement after his summit with China's Xi Jinping that he was undecided on approving a new arms package potentially worth $14 billion. Taiwan's Presidential Office and defense ministry said they continue to monitor U.S. policy and maintain close communication, while China has repeatedly called for an end to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory.
Military TimesTaiwan Says It Has Not Been Informed of US Arms Sales Delays
Taiwan's government stated on Friday that it has not received any official notification from the United States regarding delays in arms sales, despite a senior US official suggesting a pause. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing that the US is temporarily pausing foreign military sales to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for 'Epic Fury,' the US operation against Iran. He added that sales would resume when deemed necessary by the administration. This follows President Trump's statement after his summit with China's Xi Jinping that he was undecided on approving a new arms package potentially worth up to $14 billion. Taiwan's Presidential Office and defense ministry both confirmed they have not been formally notified of any adjustments. The US is legally obligated to help Taiwan defend itself, while China continues to demand an end to such sales.
Defense NewsTaiwan Says It Has Not Been Told by US of Arms Sales Delays
Taiwan's government stated on May 22, 2026, that it has not received any official notification from the United States regarding delays in arms sales, despite a senior U.S. official suggesting a pause. U.S. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing that the U.S. is pausing foreign military sales to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for 'Epic Fury,' the U.S. operation against Iran. He added that sales would resume when deemed necessary by the administration. This follows President Donald Trump's statement after a summit with China's Xi Jinping that he was undecided on approving a new arms package potentially worth up to $14 billion. Taiwan's Presidential Office and defense ministry said they continue to monitor U.S. policy and maintain close communication. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly called for an end to U.S. arms sales to the island.
Military TimesTaiwan Says It Has Not Been Told of US Arms Sales Delays
Taiwan's government stated on Friday that it has received no official notification of delays in US arms sales, following a US official's suggestion of a pause. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing that the US is pausing foreign military sales to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for 'Epic Fury,' the US operation against Iran, but sales will resume when deemed necessary. This comes after President Trump said he was undecided on approving a new $14 billion arms package following his summit with China's Xi Jinping. Taiwan's Presidential Office and defense ministry both said they have not been informed of any adjustments and continue to monitor US policy while maintaining close communication. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly called for an end to US arms sales to the island.
Defense NewsTaiwan Says It Has Not Been Informed of US Arms Sales Delays
Taiwan's government stated on Friday that it has not received any official notification from the United States regarding delays in arms sales, following a US official's suggestion of a pause. US Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate hearing that foreign military sales to Taiwan are on hold to ensure sufficient munitions for 'Epic Fury,' the US operation against Iran, with future sales dependent on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. President Donald Trump, after a summit with China's Xi Jinping, said he was undecided on approving a potential $14 billion arms package. Taiwan's Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo and the defense ministry both confirmed no information about adjustments has been received, while pledging to maintain close coordination with the US. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly urged the US to halt arms sales.
Military TimesUS Navy Secretary Says Taiwan Arms Sales on Pause Due to Iran Operations
Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated on Thursday that arms sales to Taiwan have been paused to ensure sufficient munitions for American military operations in Iran, specifically the operation codenamed 'Epic Fury.' The pause affects a stalled $14 billion weapons purchase by Taiwan. Cao testified before the House Armed Services Committee, indicating that foreign military sales would resume when the administration deems necessary. The US State Department and Pentagon did not comment. President Donald Trump has not committed to following through with the sale, raising concerns about US support for Taiwan. Trump previously discussed the arms sales with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit to China, but said he made no commitments. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has increased military pressure, not ruling out force to take the island. Under US law, Washington is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its defense.
Hong Kong Free Press HKFPU.S. Pauses Taiwan Arms Sales Amid Iran Conflict, Stockpile Concerns
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao testified before the Senate that the U.S. is pausing arms sales to Taiwan due to the war with Iran, specifically to ensure munitions are available for Operation Epic Fury. This contradicts the administration's earlier rationale, as President Trump had suggested delaying a $14 billion arms package as a negotiating chip with China. Reports from the Washington Post and CSIS indicate the U.S. has depleted significant stocks of advanced missile-defense interceptors and precision strike missiles in operations against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed stockpile concerns, asserting the U.S. has 'plenty' of munitions. The pause has frustrated Taiwanese leaders, with President Lai Ching-te urging the U.S. to continue sales to maintain regional peace and security.
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