Exclusive Iran War Complicates Contingency Plans to Defend Taiwan, Some U.S. Officials Say

Source: WSJ

WASHINGTON—The U.S. has burned through so many munitions in Iran that some administration officials increasingly assess that America couldn’t fully execute contingency plans to defend Taiwan from a Chinese invasion if it occurred in the near term, U.S. officials said.

The U.S. has fired more than 1,000 long-range Tomahawk missiles since the war with Iran began on Feb. 28, as well as 1,500 to 2,000 critical air-defense missiles, including Thaad, Patriot and Standard Missile interceptors, according to U.S. officials who declined to give exact figures.

Wholly replacing those stockpiles could take up to six years, officials said, kicking off discussions in the administration about adjusting operational plans in preparation for any potential presidential order for the military to defend Taiwan.

The Pentagon plans for multiple scenarios, regardless of the shifting geopolitical tides and political winds in Washington. U.S. officials say there is no sign of a conflict with China on the horizon. Chinese leader Xi Jinping is preparing to hold a high-stakes summit with President Trump next month in Beijing, and China’s military is reeling from a purge of generals.

Read more: https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/iran-war-complicates-contingency-plans-to-defend-taiwan-some-u-s-officials-say-4384f7c1