U.S. Pauses $14 B Taiwan Arms Sale Citing Iran Conflict

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate defense subcommittee on May 21 that the United States has placed a hold on a $14 billion foreign military sale to Taiwan. The pause is intended to preserve munitions needed for "Operation Epic Fury," the U.S. campaign against Iran, although a White House source later said the sales are unrelated to the Iran operation and that the delay is procedural.

Taiwan’s presidential office said it had received no notification of any adjustment to the deal, confirming that the island was unaware of the pause. The package, pre‑approved by Congress in January 2026, is a core component of the Taiwan Relations Act, which requires the United States to provide defensive weapons. A separate $11.1 billion sale authorized in December 2025 has also not progressed.

President Donald Trump, after a state visit to Beijing, hinted that the Taiwan sale could be used as a negotiating chip with China. Chinese officials have repeatedly condemned U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, calling the issue the most important in Sino‑U.S. relations. The pause reflects broader strain on U.S. munitions stockpiles caused by the Iran conflict and could be lifted when the administration deems it necessary.