US Pauses $14 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan Over Munitions Needs for Iran War

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao says the Trump administration is delaying the major Taiwan arms package to prioritize weapons for the Iran conflict.

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao delivers remarks during a commissioning ceremony for the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, USS Idaho, at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on April 25, 2026. U.S. Navy/John Narewski

The United States has paused a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan to ensure that it has enough munitions for its military operations against Iran, according to acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao.

Cao revealed the pause during a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on May 21. He told Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that the step was needed for Operation Epic Fury, the name for U.S. actions in Iran.