By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-pentagon-spokesperson-discusses-ukraine-aid-halt-iran-nuclear-sites-at-news-briefing Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Pentagon spokesperson discusses Ukraine aid halt, Iran nuclear sites at news briefing Politics Jul 2, 2025 4:36 PM EDT The Pentagon’s chief spokesperson said Wednesday that the pause of weapons shipments to Ukraine is part of a review of military assistance to ensure it aligns with U.S. defense priorities. Watch the Pentagon’s news briefing in the player above. Sean Parnell declined to specify the types or amounts of weaponry that will be withheld under the halt. READ MORE: U.S. withholds weapons promised to Ukraine as Russian forces gain more territory He says the pause does not reflect any concerns about the military’s ability to defend U.S. interests. “We’re always assessing, you know, our munitions and where we’re sending them,” he told reporters. “We can’t give weapons to everybody all around the world.” Pentagon says U.S. strikes ‘completely obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear sites Parnell said the strikes ordered by President Donald Trump in June set back Tehran’s nuclear program by more than a year. “We’re thinking probably closer to two years,” he told reporters at his second briefing since Trump’s latest term began. “We destroyed the components they would need to build a bomb,” Parnell said. “We believe Iran’s nuclear capability has been severely degraded.” We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
The Pentagon’s chief spokesperson said Wednesday that the pause of weapons shipments to Ukraine is part of a review of military assistance to ensure it aligns with U.S. defense priorities. Watch the Pentagon’s news briefing in the player above. Sean Parnell declined to specify the types or amounts of weaponry that will be withheld under the halt. READ MORE: U.S. withholds weapons promised to Ukraine as Russian forces gain more territory He says the pause does not reflect any concerns about the military’s ability to defend U.S. interests. “We’re always assessing, you know, our munitions and where we’re sending them,” he told reporters. “We can’t give weapons to everybody all around the world.” Pentagon says U.S. strikes ‘completely obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear sites Parnell said the strikes ordered by President Donald Trump in June set back Tehran’s nuclear program by more than a year. “We’re thinking probably closer to two years,” he told reporters at his second briefing since Trump’s latest term began. “We destroyed the components they would need to build a bomb,” Parnell said. “We believe Iran’s nuclear capability has been severely degraded.” We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now