Taiwan was surprised by the announcement of a pause in US arms sales, which was confirmed by US Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao during a Senate hearing. This decision comes in the wake of heightened military activity involving Iran, with the US needing to prioritize its own stockpiles before proceeding with foreign arms sales. President Donald Trump had previously indicated that arms deliveries to Taiwan could serve as a strategic bargaining tool in negotiations with China, a stance that contradicts longstanding US policy commitments to Taiwan. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te underscored the significance of these arms as a vital deterrent against potential Chinese aggression. The ongoing US-Israeli military actions against Iran have reportedly put a strain on US munitions, leading to concerns about the availability of military supplies. The Pentagon has also alerted European allies, including the UK and Poland, to expect delays in arms deliveries, particularly for mobile rocket launchers and anti-aircraft systems. This situation reflects the complexities of US foreign military support amid regional tensions and operational demands.