Amid Iran Tensions, US Moves To Sell 23 Billion Dollars Advanced Weapons To Arab Allies

Washington: The ongoing war between Israel and Iran in the Middle East has now intensified, and meanwhile America has given the green signal to big arms deals to strengthen its old friend, Arab countries. The US State Department has sent a notification to Congress that these deals are necessary due to regional security. Demand for defense systems in the Gulf has surged following Iran's missile and drone attacks, and the US fast-tracked several deals on an emergency basis. They moved forward without full congressional review.

Which countries will get arms worth how many billions of dollars?

According to a State Department notification, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is getting the largest package which is a total of more than 8.4 billion dollars. This includes Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), munitions and upgrades for F-16 fighter jets, Counter-Drone Systems (FS-LIDS), Long-Range Discrimination Radar and drone defense equipment.

Kuwait has also got a huge deal – worth about 8 billion dollars. This is for lower-tier air and missile defense sensor radars (LTAMDS), which will help in tracking high-speed ballistic missiles and drones. Jordan's package is a bit smaller; it is just 70.5 million dollars. This includes aircraft and munitions support, spare parts, maintenance and related equipment. Overall, these are deals worth more than 16.5 dollar billion for the three countries.

Are these the only deals or have more been approved?

According to officials, additional deals worth about 6 billion dollars have been approved for these three countries. But these are mostly changes in already approved packages or fall in the commercial sales category, so there was no need to notify Congress separately. Some reports are suggesting a total deal of up to 23 billion dollars, but the main notified deals are around 16.5 billion dollars.

Are there regional security concerns behind this decision?

Iran's recent attacks have targeted many bases and infrastructure in the Gulf – UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain were all affected. America wants to increase the defense capability of its allies so that the growing influence of Iran can be balanced. Experts are saying that these deals are more than just arms sales – they are a strategic message that America will not leave its Arab partners alone. In the coming days, it remains to be seen what effect this has on regional politics and security equations – whether tensions will reduce or will flare up further.