US air defence munitions running low? Trump shelved wider Iran strikes: Report

US air defence munitions running low? Trump shelved wider Iran strikes: ReportTOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jul 26, 2026, 08:15 ISTCommentsShareAA+Text SizeSmallMediumLarge US President Donald Trump has, for now, shelved plans for a major military escalation against Iran after senior advisers warned that a broader offensive could dangerously deplete the Pentagon's shrinking stockpile of air defence munitions in the Middle East.

According to a New York Times report, the decision followed a high-level meeting on Friday with Trump's cabinet members and senior advisers, where concerns over the US military's dwindling inventory of Patriot interceptor missiles and other defensive systems dominated discussions.Later, a CNN report claimed Vance and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff Gen. Dan Caine warned Trump about US munitions shortages as he considered escalating the Iran war during Friday's meeting.

It remains unclear whether concerns over dwindling air defence stockpiles were the primary reason the US paused consecutive nightly strikes on Iran or if the pause will continue. Trump and his advisers also fear a wider Middle East war, strained Gulf ties, economic disruption, and worsening energy and refugee crises.The NYT report said Caine privately advised that while major combat operations against Iran remained feasible, they would "dangerously deplete interceptors available to the military's Central Command," which oversees US operations across the Middle East.

The deliberations came after three US soldiers were killed in Jordan last week when an Iranian ballistic missile penetrated American air defences during a barrage of missiles and drones, the NYT reported, citing a senior US official.Despite signalling on Friday that US forces were "locked and loaded" and "ready to go", Trump ultimately refrained from authorising a wider bombing campaign. Earlier this week, he had also told Axios, "I am considering a massive attack.

Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it."

The NYT reported that Pentagon planners had prepared options for a multi-stage offensive targeting Iranian coastal radars, anti-ship missile launchers, naval craft, transport infrastructure and strategic facilities, including the underground nuclear site at Pickaxe Mountain. However, officials warned that sustaining a prolonged campaign would place severe pressure on already depleted missile inventories.The report said many of Trump's senior advisers, including Jared Kushner, are advocating a lower-risk strategy centred on sustained diplomatic engagement and economic pressure rather than a broader military offensive.

Meanwhile, news agency AP reported that the US military paused overnight airstrikes on Iran for the first time after nearly two weeks of continuous bombardment, while diplomatic efforts intensified to revive an interim ceasefire. Mediators are reportedly seeking a compromise over vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route.However, regional tensions remain high.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's Yanbu and Jizan, saying they targeted facilities belonging to Aramco in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on HodeidaAbout the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.

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