Missiles to munitions: Does the US risk running out of key weapons?

US officials express confidence in weapons stockpiles, but analysts suggest dwindling munitions are influencing decisions regarding a potential resumption of the war on Iran. The acting US Navy secretary indicated a pause in a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, citing the need to ensure sufficient munitions for "Epic Fury," the US military operation against Iran. Reports reveal the US expended a significant portion of its advanced missile-defense interceptors, including THAAD and Standard Missile interceptors, to defend Israel during the Iran war. A think tank warned that the US had heavily used seven critical ammunitions, with replenishment taking one to four years. While some experts believe the US is prepared for immediate conflicts, others argue the depletion of strategically valuable weapons could impact other potential theaters of war.

President Donald Trump has suggested he may speak directly with Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te, which would be the first such contact since the US shifted diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979. Analysts view this less as a sign of closer US-Taiwan ties and more as an example of Trump's unpredictability. Taiwan's President expressed willingness to speak with Trump, while China firmly opposes official exchanges and US arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing's response to such contact, based on past reactions to similar events, is expected to be strong, potentially impacting US-China relations. Trump's openness to discussing arms sales with Xi Jinping is seen by some analysts as a win for Beijing, though the ultimate impact on US-China relations remains unpredictable.

President-elect Donald Trump stated he will speak directly with Taiwan's president, a departure from established diplomatic protocol. This comes as the US considers a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. China has urged the US to cease sending "wrong signals" to Taiwan and is reportedly blocking a Pentagon official's visit until Trump decides on the arms deal. The US has a history of selling defensive arms to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act. Trump has not yet committed to the current arms package, which reportedly includes anti-drone and missile systems, and indicated he would make a decision soon after speaking with Taiwan's leader.

Beijing has reaffirmed its strong opposition to any official engagement between the United States and Taiwan. This statement comes after Donald Trump indicated he would be open to speaking with William Lai Ching-te, who is described as "running" Taiwan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that China's stance against official US exchanges with Taiwan and US arms sales to the island is consistent, clear, and firm. Beijing urged the United States to uphold the consensus reached by the heads of state during Trump's recent visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te has stated he would be willing to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump. This potential conversation would break a diplomatic protocol established in 1979 when the U.S. shifted recognition from Taipei to Beijing. Trump has indicated he would speak with Lai, following speculation after his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, calling China the disruptor of peace. The U.S. is currently considering a significant arms package sale to Taiwan, which Trump suggested could be a bargaining chip with China.