US pauses strikes on Iran amid reports of dwindling missile stocks

In late July 2026, the United States paused its military strikes against Iran after consecutive nights of bombing. Reports emerged that the US military was concerned about dwindling air defense missile stocks, which could be depleted if the campaign continued. Vice President Vance and Caine, a senior official, reportedly raised concerns about the risk of escalating into a wider war with Iran, according to sources familiar with internal discussions. The pause came as Ukraine struck a Russian cargo plane bound for Iran, widening the conflict further.