Trump decides not to escalate Iran conflict as Middle East interceptor stockpile decreases – report

US President Donald Trump has opted against escalating conflict with Iran, primarily due to concerns that a prolonged war could deplete interceptor missile stockpiles, according to US officials cited by The New York Times. Discussions in the White House have focused on the dwindling supply of interceptor missiles, especially after a recent incident in Jordan where an Iranian missile bypassed American air defenses, resulting in the deaths of three US soldiers. General Dan Caine reportedly stated that while a full-scale war with Iran is feasible, it would significantly reduce the number of missiles available to US Central Command (CENTCOM) in the Middle East. White House communications director Steven Cheung affirmed Trump's preference for a diplomatic solution, but noted that "he continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities." Trump also stated, "We're locked and loaded," indicating readiness for military action if diplomacy fails.