Trump halts major Iran escalation amid missile shortage concerns: Report
US president reportedly shelves plans for expanded strikes as dwindling air defense missile stockpiles and fears of wider regional conflict raise concerns
WASHINGTON (MNTV) — US President Donald Trump has reportedly suspended plans for a major expansion of military operations against Iran after US military officials warned that prolonged fighting could severely deplete America’s air defense missile stockpiles and increase the risk of a broader regional war.
According to The New York Times, Trump made the decision following a high-level meeting with senior advisers and Cabinet officials, during which military commanders outlined the strategic and logistical risks of escalating the conflict.
Officials reportedly warned that a new large-scale offensive could rapidly exhaust Patriot interceptor missiles and other critical air defense systems used to protect US forces stationed across Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is said to have informed the administration that while a major operation remained militarily possible, it would significantly reduce the US military’s defensive capabilities across the Middle East.
The concerns intensified after three American soldiers were killed in Jordan when an Iranian ballistic missile penetrated US air defenses during a recent missile and drone attack.
The report said the Pentagon has already fired more than 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles since the war began, leaving inventories at levels that have alarmed military planners and members of Congress.
Before pausing the escalation, the Trump administration had reportedly been considering a multi-phase bombing campaign targeting Iran’s civilian and military infrastructure including power plants, desalination plants, naval assets and other military infrastructure linked to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Potential strikes on energy facilities, railway bridges used for military logistics and Iranian nuclear-related sites were also under review.
The Pentagon had already deployed additional troops, weapons and military equipment to the region in preparation for a possible expansion of operations.
According to the report, some administration officials doubted whether an intensified bombing campaign would compel Tehran to return to negotiations, warning instead that additional attacks could strengthen domestic support for Iran’s leadership and invite Iranian retaliation.
The report said several advisers have urged Trump to continue pursuing diplomatic engagement while maintaining economic pressure and naval operations rather than launching another major military offensive.
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