US approves $16.5bn arms deal to Gulf states amid rising Iran tensions

Al Jazeera
March 19, 2026
3 min read

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US approves $16.5 billion arms sale to Gulf states including drones, missiles and radars amid Iran tensions.

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The Trump administration has approved a $16.5 billion arms sale to Gulf allies including the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan, delivering drones, missiles, and radar systems to the region. The sale comes as tensions with Iran remain elevated, with the Gulf states seeking to strengthen their air defenses and military capabilities against regional threats. The deal reflects the administration's broader strategy of bolstering partnerships with Middle Eastern allies and counterbalancing Iranian influence in the Persian Gulf. The weapons systems are intended to enhance the defensive capabilities of key US partners in one of the world's most strategically important energy-producing regions. The sale typically requires congressional approval, though lawmakers can block such transactions within a set timeframe.

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