Sources: 'Patriot' Ammunition Running Low, Trump Changes Stance and Orders Pause in Attacks

Since July 7, the United States has launched multiple military strikes against Iran, citing retaliation for Iranian attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

From July 11 to July 23, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes for 13 consecutive nights. However, on July 24, President Donald Trump ordered a pause in that day’s planned airstrikes.

Details indicate that while Trump had previously approved military strike plans submitted by the Pentagon on a daily basis, he did not authorize the new operation plan presented on the 24th.

Two U.S. officials with knowledge of the matter disclosed on July 25 that Trump’s decision to pause military operations stemmed from concerns that further escalation could provoke a stronger retaliatory response from Iran, further depleting the Pentagon’s stockpile of missile interceptors in the Middle East.

The two sources said Trump held a meeting on the 24th with senior advisors and high-ranking government officials, focusing specifically on the declining inventory of 'Patriot' and other air defense munitions at the Pentagon.

Additional details revealed that prior to the July 24 meeting, Trump had still been considering expanding military operations against Iran. On July 23, he publicly stated he was contemplating launching a 'major strike' against the country.