A senior US military official has said Washington has paused a $14bn arms sale to Taiwan to conserve munitions needed for its war effort against Iran.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told lawmakers during a Senate hearing on Thursday that the delay was aimed at ensuring sufficient stockpiles for ongoing military operations.

“Right now, we’re taking a pause to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury,” Cao said, referring to the US operation.

He added that foreign military sales would resume “when the administration deems necessary,” and that any decision on the Taiwan package would be taken by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The proposed deal, approved by US Congress in January, would be the largest-ever US arms transfer to Taiwan but still requires President Donald Trump’s final approval.

If signed off, it would surpass a previous $11bn package approved in December.

The update came a week after the proposed sale featured in discussions between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Trump has said he “may or may not” approve the deal and suggested it could be used as a negotiating tool with China.

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai said on Friday that Taipei would continue pursuing arms purchases, according to local media reports.

Analysts warned the delay could raise concerns in Taiwan over US commitment to its defence.

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, opposes US military support for the island. Washington does not officially recognise Taiwan but is bound by the Taiwan Relations Act to support its self-defence capabilities.

Any direct US presidential contact with Taiwan’s leadership would be a departure from long-standing diplomatic practice and likely draw strong objections from Beijing.