Trump Holds Back on Iran Escalation Over Missile Stockpile Concerns

US President Donald Trump decided not to escalate the conflict with Iran, fearing that an extended war could deplete interceptor stockpiles, US officials told _The New York Times_ on Saturday.

According to the officials, recent White House discussions have centered on the depletion of US interceptor missiles, particularly after three US soldiers were killed in Jordan when an Iranian missile got through American air defenses.

US General Dan Caine told the _NYT_ that a return to full-fledged war with Iran was doable, but would severely reduce the amount of missiles available to US Central Command, CENTCOM, in the Middle East.

*White House: “Diplomacy Preferred, All Options Retained”*

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung told the _NYT_ that Trump has been “consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against allies.” 

Cheung added that “it would be wise for Iran to work towards a negotiated deal; otherwise, they know what will happen.”

One anonymous senior US official claimed that a return to major operations against Iran would not drive Tehran back toward negotiations. Other sources argued the opposite, saying strikes would give Iranian leadership an external threat to focus on and rally against.

*”Locked and Loaded” but Pursuing Talks*

Earlier on Saturday, sources familiar with the administration’s decision-making process told _The Jerusalem Post_ that Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to launch a major strike against Iran.

As the president said on Friday, the United States is continuing diplomatic talks with Tehran while keeping the military option fully prepared.

“We’re locked and loaded,” Trump said, adding that Washington could escalate its military campaign “to a much higher level” if necessary, but that his preferred option remains a negotiated agreement.