Trump halts strikes on Iran as U.S. missile stock thins
Pentagon has used more than 1.200 Patriot interceptors, while Netanyahu is due at the White House this week.
President of the United States Donald Trump halted strikes against Iran after 13 days of operations, amid warnings from military officials that U.S. air defense missile stocks were running low. Reports from The New York Times and The Guardian said Trump postponed a major escalation and chose instead to reopen negotiations with Tehran. Washington's main concern is the supply of Patriot interceptors needed to protect U.S. troops and bases in Yordania, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. According to the reports, the Pentagon has used more than 1.200 Patriot missiles during the conflict. The decision also came after an Iranian missile attack killed three U.S. service members in Yordania. At the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on 28 Juli and is expected to press the U.S. to continue military pressure.