Taiwan Says No Notice of U.S. Arms Sales Pause Amid Iran Conflict Concerns

Taiwan’s presidential office said Friday it has not received any official notice from the United States regarding any suspension or adjustment of military sales to the island, despite comments from a senior U.S. defense official suggesting a temporary pause linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Taiwan has been anticipating a major new U.S. arms package reportedly valued at up to $14 billion. The deal is considered critical for strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities as tensions with China continue to rise across the Taiwan Strait. However, uncertainty has emerged after U.S. President Donald Trump stated following his recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing that he had not yet decided whether to approve the package.

The issue gained attention after U.S. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao addressed lawmakers during a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on Thursday. Cao said the United States had temporarily slowed certain foreign military sales to ensure enough munitions remain available for “Epic Fury,” the U.S. military operation connected to the Iran conflict.

According to Cao, the pause is aimed at reviewing American defense stockpiles rather than permanently halting military support for Taiwan. He added that future arms sales would continue once the administration determines the timing is appropriate. The final decision, he noted, would rest with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In response, Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo told reporters in Taipei that authorities were aware of the remarks but had not been formally informed of any changes to U.S. military sales policies involving Taiwan.

The United States remains legally obligated under the Taiwan Relations Act to help Taiwan maintain its self-defense capabilities. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly opposed U.S. weapons sales to Taipei and urged Washington to stop supporting the island militarily.

Taiwan’s government continues to reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims, insisting that only the Taiwanese people have the right to determine the island’s future.