Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision soon regarding arms sales to Taiwan, a source familiar with the matter revealed to CNA. This development comes after earlier media reports suggested that the proposed US$14 billion arms package for Taiwan was paused due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
According to Focus Taiwan, the source, speaking on condition of anonymity, refuted the claims linking the delay in arms sales approval to the war with Iran. The source emphasized that these arms sales take years to process and are not influenced by Operation Epic Fury. They further assured that the U.S. military has ample munitions, ammunition, and stockpiles to meet all of President Trump's strategic objectives.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, in a statement issued on Friday, reiterated that any prospective foreign military sales and security assistance details remain pending until finalized by the President. He assured that U.S. policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged and adheres to the longstanding commitment outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act.
During a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on Thursday, U.S. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated that the arms package was on hold to ensure sufficient munitions for the ongoing conflict with Iran. According to The Hill, Cao mentioned that the final decision would rest with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In response to inquiries from CNA, a White House official highlighted that Trump had previously approved US$11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan in December 2025, consistent with U.S. policy since the 1950s.
Additionally, on Friday, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a resolution reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. This resolution underscores America's commitment to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons and not consult Beijing on arms sales. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen emphasized the non-negotiable nature of America's support for Taiwan and urged the Trump administration to formally notify Congress of the proposed US$14 billion arms package.