US Pauses Iran Strikes amid Missile Shortage

The US military did not continue its attacks on Iran overnight on Sunday. After nearly two weeks of nighttime operations, the pause has revived hopes for a return to negotiations. However, some US media outlets claim it may be due to a shortage of missiles for the Patriot air defense systems and other ammunition.

The New York Times, citing two anonymous sources, reported that concerns about running out of missiles were the subject of discussions between President Donald Trump and his advisers even before the decision to suspend the attacks.

According to the newspaper, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reportedly warned that while the military is capable of conducting a large-scale operation against Iran, the air defense missiles allocated to US Central Command (CENTCOM) would be quickly depleted in such an operation.

According to both The New York Times and CNN, doubts are also growing within the administration as to whether more intense attacks would force Tehran to negotiate. Trump said on Friday that he had not yet decided on a possible resumption of the operation. "Look, we’re talking to them right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious as the days go by", he told reporters.

(nyt, sab)