The United States has cleared arms sales worth more than $16.5 billion to key Middle East allies, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan, as the conflict with Iran widens, marked by attacks on energy infrastructure.
The deal bypasses congressional approval after Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked emergency provisions, citing the urgent need to proceed with the sales.
The largest portion of the package—valued at over $8.4 billion—has been approved for the United Arab Emirates, covering drones, missiles, radar systems, as well as upgrades and munitions for F-16 aircraft.
In addition, Washington approved the potential sale of air and missile defense radar systems to Kuwait for an estimated $8 billion, along with aircraft and munitions support to Jordan valued at approximately $70.5 million.
Drone incident sparks fire as fuel tank near Dubai International Airport is hit.
UAE officials say flights have gradually resumed. The incident comes as Iran continues attacks in the Gulf region, raising concerns about security and the safety of key infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/QHAjiqfl4d
— euronews (@euronews) March 16, 2026
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major defense partner,” the State Department said, describing the UAE as “a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.”
Nearly three weeks into the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, the conflict has expanded to include attacks on energy infrastructure in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, as well as multiple strikes targeting Saudi Arabia.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington joined Israel in launching strikes on Iran on February 28, triggering a conflict that has raised concerns about a prolonged regional war.
The latest arms approvals also follow Iran’s attacks on energy infrastructure in response to Israeli strikes on its gas facilities—an escalation that has pushed global gas and oil prices higher and heightened fears of broader instability.
The State Department said major U.S. defense contractors involved in the deals are expected to include RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin.
Iftikhar Ali is a veteran Pakistani journalist, former president of UN Correspondents Association, and a recipient of the Pride of Performance civil award
Asim Tanveer is a seasoned journalist working for TV and electronic and print media outlets. He has been working for some of the world’s leading news organizations including Associated Press (AP), Reuters, BBC, CNN, CNBC, Star TV, Voice of America and The New York Times for more than 30 years. He has won several awards for his live coverage of events that include a Reuters News Agency World Award and the Pride of Performance award in 1997.
