US President Donald Trump has decided to temporarily delay expanding military operations against Iran amid growing concerns over dwindling supplies of Patriot interceptor missiles and other critical air defense munitions in the Middle East.

Trump met with senior advisers and top officials on July 24 to assess the situation, The Caspian Post reports via The New York Times.

During the meeting, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine reportedly warned that a broader military campaign could leave US Central Command with dangerously low stocks of Patriot interceptors and other key air defense weapons.

There is little support within Trump's inner circle for escalating the conflict. One official reportedly argued that additional strikes would only strengthen national unity in Iran while doing little to advance diplomatic negotiations.

The US administration is also concerned that a wider conflict could strain relations with Gulf allies vulnerable to Iranian retaliation, while worsening global energy market instability and fueling a broader migration crisis.