The New York Times reports President Trump has put plans for a major escalation
of strikes on Iran on hold, citing concern that such action would dangerously
deplete the Pentagon’s already reduced Patriot interceptor and other air‑defense
munitions stockpiles in the Middle East. U.S. officials said pressure on
interceptor inventories is among factors that make renewed large‑scale military
action highly risky. Trump and senior advisers are also reportedly worried
escalation could broaden the Middle East conflict, push vulnerable Gulf allies
away, shock the global economy and worsen energy and refugee crises.
