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Amid ongoing tensions with Iran and a fragile ceasefire in the region, the United States e has approved military sales worth over USD 8.6 billion to several Middle Eastern allies. The announcement made by the US Department of State on Friday includes deals with Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

US Approves USD 8.6 Billion Arms Sales To Middle East

The approval came without the usual congressional review process after Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that an emergency situation required immediate action. News agency Reuters quoted Rubio as saying that an “emergency exists that requires the immediate sale” of these weapons. The announcement was made at a time when the war between the US and Israel against Iran had reached nine weeks, with a fragile ceasefire in place but no final peace deal.

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Which Country Gets What?

According to a Reuters report, the approved packages include missile defence systems, precision weapons, and command systems. Major US defence companies such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman are listed as the main contractors for these deals.

Israel has been approved to receive Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System equipment worth USD 992.4 million. Qatar has been cleared for missile defence support services including Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) and Patriot air worth USD 4.01 billion and additional weapon systems worth USD 992.4 million. Kuwait has been approved for a USD 2.5 billion integrated battle command system. The UAE has been cleared for similar weapon systems (APKWS) worth USD 147.6 million.

Germany Questions US' Move

The recent package is significant as Washington has faced criticism for its military ties with Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar over the years. Many Human rights groups have raised concerns about the rights records of these countries.

While the Trump administration has bypassed the Congress to fast-track weapons to the Middle East, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has questioned the move. He stated that the decision was expected after criticism of the US strategy in the Middle East. “We Europeans must take on more responsibility for our own security,” Pistorius said.

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