Iran War Saps US Military Ahead of Any Potential China Conflict

A top Pentagon official’s remarks that the US had halted arms sales to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for the Iran war are the latest sign that the conflict has sapped American military readiness, including for a potential confrontation with China.

“We’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury,” Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao told US lawmakers on Thursday, referring to the US campaign in the Middle East.

Hung Cao

Photographer: Eric Lee/Bloomberg

The comments underscore the toll the war of choice in Iran has taken on US inventories. Last week, China’s Xi ...