Axios reveals US pauses Iran escalation amid fears of missile shortages

The United States' decision not to intensify military operations against Iran was influenced by concerns over dwindling supplies of key defence systems and the wider risks of a regional conflict, reported by the American news website Axios.

The report said US officials feared that a prolonged escalation could rapidly deplete stocks of Patriot missile interceptors and other military equipment deployed across the Middle East.

According to Axios, General Dan Caine warned that launching a large-scale military campaign could reduce US defensive missile reserves to dangerously low levels, limiting the country's ability to respond to future threats.

US officials were also said to be concerned that a broader conflict could further destabilise the Middle East, strain relations with key Gulf allies and inflict significant damage on the global economy. They also warned that any escalation could worsen existing energy and migration challenges.

The report added that President Donald Trump had, for the time being, postponed plans for a significant expansion of military operations against Iran while the administration continued to assess the strategic and diplomatic consequences of further action.