US pausing $14bn arms sale to Taiwan due to Iran war, navy chief says

A $14bn arms sale to Taiwan is being paused to ensure sufficient munitions for “Epic Fury.” Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told lawmakers that the pause is intended to confirm that needed resources are available, and that foreign military sales will continue when the administration decides. Any decision to proceed with the sale would be made by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State. The pause follows a ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8, while a permanent peace deal has not been reached. Congress approved the package in January, but it still requires presidential approval. Taiwan plans to continue pursuing arms purchases, while analysts warn the pause could increase doubts about US support and complicate future defense budget requests.

"“Right now, we're doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury which we have plenty,” Cao told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “But we're just making sure we have everything, but then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary.”"

"“Any decision to move forward with the sale which would be the largest ever weapons transfer to Taiwan would be made by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.”"

"“The war has been paused since the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on April 8, but the sides have yet to reach a permanent peace deal.”"

"“William Yang, senior analyst for northeast Asia at the Crisis Group, said in a social media post that the pause will exacerbate anxiety and scepticism about US support in Taiwan and make it difficult for the Taiwanese government to request additional defence budget for the foreseeable future.”"

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