The United States has temporarily paused some arms sales to Taiwan to ensure sufficient military stockpiles for operations linked to Iran, acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao said on Thursday.

Speaking during a congressional hearing, Cao said Washington was reviewing munitions supplies tied to “Epic Fury”, the US operation involving Iran.

“Right now we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need,” he said, adding that foreign military sales would continue once the administration decides it is appropriate.

$14 Billion Taiwan Deal in Limbo

Taiwan has been awaiting approval of a major US arms package reportedly worth up to $14 billion.

However, US President Donald Trump has not committed to moving forward with the sale following his recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Trump suggested the proposed package could be used as leverage in negotiations with China.

“I haven’t approved it yet. We’re going to see what happens,” Trump said. “It’s a very good negotiating chip for us.”

Shift in Taiwan Policy Signals

Ahead of his China visit, Trump said he intended to discuss Taiwan arms sales with Xi — a notable departure from longstanding US policy that traditionally avoided consulting Beijing on such decisions.

He later said he wanted both sides to “cool down” and signalled reluctance towards potential military conflict over Taiwan.

Although the US officially maintains strategic ambiguity over defending Taiwan, Washington remains legally bound under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide the island with defensive capabilities.

Taipei Responds Carefully

Taiwan’s presidential office said it had not received any formal notice regarding adjustments to military sales.

Spokesperson Karen Kuo said Taipei had taken note of the remarks but had no official confirmation of a policy shift.

Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo also said earlier this week he remained “cautiously optimistic” about future arms approvals.

China Opposition Continues

China has repeatedly criticised US weapons sales to Taiwan, accusing Washington of turning the island into a regional “powder keg”.

Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, insisting only the Taiwanese people can determine the island’s future.

(with inputs from Reuters)