Trump administration scales back Iran escalation amid munitions shortages and regional tensions

The United States has temporarily halted large-scale strikes against Iran, officials said, after senior advisers warned that the Pentagon's stock of Patriot anti-missile interceptors and other air-defense munitions was running low. The concern was compounded by worries that a broader conflict could alienate Gulf allies and trigger further global economic disruption.

The pause comes amid ongoing incidents, including a Ukrainian attack on an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea that killed one crew member, and renewed fighting between Saudi-backed forces and Iran-aligned Houthi militants in Yemen. The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade of Saudi vessels, raising oil-price volatility.

U.S. military leaders have been reinforcing forces in the region, deploying additional F-16s, F-35s, and bomber assets, while striking railway bridges used to move Iranian supplies. Three U.S. soldiers were killed in Jordan when a ballistic missile evaded air defenses, underscoring the strain on interceptor inventories.

White House communications director Steven Cheung said President Trump remains “consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options.” Trump told reporters that the U.S. is “locked and loaded” but also “talking to them,” indicating the decision to hold off on a larger bombing campaign.

The shift follows a Friday meeting with top advisers, during which General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned that resuming major combat would deplete the limited interceptors needed to protect U.S. forces in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

While the immediate U.S.-Iran fighting has eased, the broader regional conflict persists, and officials said the administration continues to evaluate diplomatic and economic pressure options against Tehran.