TEHRAN, Jul 26: Concerns over "US munitions stockpiles and the risks of a wider regional conflict" have emerged as key factors behind Washington's decision to pause its bombing campaign against Iran, according to sources familiar with the discussions, as President Donald Trump weighs the next course of action amid continuing tensions with Tehran.

The United States halted its strikes after nearly two weeks of sustained air operations that began on June 8, following warnings issued by Trump during the NATO summit in Turkey.

The pause came after the president discussed options for intensifying military action with his senior advisers, amid escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran, including threats to target Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, also known as the "Pickaxe Mountain" site.

The latest escalation began after Trump said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Tehran on June 17 has ended as vessels are being attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to CNN, citing a source familiar with the matter and a US official, Vice President JD Vance and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine raised concerns during a White House meeting on Friday as Trump considered whether to expand the military campaign.

Gen. Caine specifically highlighted the pressure that continued strikes could place on US weapons stockpiles, while also warning about the broader consequences of a prolonged conflict, the sources said.

A Department of Defense source said on Saturday that "US military operations were on a hold, though officials have not indicated whether the pause is temporary or signals a wider shift in Washington's strategy."

The development came as the Trump administration sought to balance military pressure with diplomatic efforts, with officials continuing talks with Iran while the president kept open the option of further escalation.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, "Gen. Caine told Trump that the US military had the capability to execute the available options and achieve operational objectives, but warned that further action could carry significant consequences."

The condition of US weapons stockpiles was among several issues discussed during the high-level meeting, sources said. It remains unclear whether concerns over dwindling munitions supplies, broader escalation risks or other factors directly influenced the decision to suspend the air campaign.

The White House maintained that Trump preferred a diplomatic solution but would retain military options if Iran continued strikes that Washington considered hostile.

"President Trump has always 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," White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement.

"Combined with successful sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy and 13 straight days of strikes against military targets in response to their repeated aggression, it would be wise for Iran to work towards a negotiated deal. Otherwise, they know what will happen."

Speaking to reporters after Friday's meeting with Cabinet members and senior advisers, Trump said negotiations with Iran were continuing, while making clear that military action remained an option.

The President said the United States could resume its bombing campaign or "make it a heavier dose" if necessary, while claiming that Tehran appeared to be getting "more serious" in ongoing negotiations.

A source familiar with the discussions said the administration was still assessing what any further escalation could involve. Gulf nations have urged restraint in conversations with US officials, while acknowledging that Washington possesses significant military capabilities should it choose to expand the conflict.

Even after publicly suggesting that he was considering a major strike against Iran, Trump privately instructed US negotiators to continue engaging with Tehran, according to a source familiar with the matter, highlighting the administration's parallel pursuit of diplomacy.

Several sources said officials within Trump's inner circle and the Pentagon questioned whether further escalation would achieve the strategic objectives sought by the president, particularly without risking a wider regional conflict or eventually requiring US ground forces.

Responding to concerns over military readiness, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said the US armed forces remained fully prepared to carry out any mission ordered by the president.

"America's military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President's choosing," Parnell said.

"We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests."

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) warned Israel and Britain against supporting US military operations against Tehran.

IRGC spokesman Brigadier General Hossein Mohebi made the remarks today, two days after the US appeared to pause its deadly aerial assaults on Iran following nearly two weeks of bombings that prompted Iran's firm response.

He said that Israel seeks to keep the United States engaged in the region by influencing US President Donald Trump and providing misleading information, "using American power to advance its own goals."

"Israel knows what we would do to it if it returns to the war and we concentrate our efforts against it," he added.

Mohebi also warned that continued UK support for US B-1 bomber operations could make British airbases legitimate targets.

"Recently, American B-1 bombers operated from British airbases. If they continue to cooperate, they will be considered our certain and legitimate targets. We have a specific scenario prepared for every situation."

For 13 consecutive nights, the US military conducted waves of air raids on Iran, committing war crimes by targeting civilian sites and killing 55 people.

Mohebi also claimed that Iranian retaliatory strikes had targeted US-linked facilities in the region and disputed American casualty figures.

"The casualty figures reported by the Americans are a sheer lie," he said. "The American people should not allow their lying commanders to treat them like fools."

The US has said its military operations were aimed at countering threats from Iran, while Tehran has accused Washington and its allies of aggression. Both sides continue to trade accusations as diplomatic efforts remain ongoing.

(UNI)