Saturday, May 2, 2026

US Bypasses Congress to Approve $8.6 Billion Arms Sales to Middle East Allies

US Bypasses Congress to Approve $8.6 Billion Arms Sales to Middle East Allies

The United States has approved $8.6 billion in arms sales to key Middle Eastern allies, citing urgent security needs linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

According to the State Department, the decision was made under emergency provisions, allowing the sales to proceed without the usual congressional review. Officials said the move serves “the national security interests of the United States.”

The package includes nearly $1 billion worth of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) for Israel, while Kuwait is set to receive $2.5 billion in battle command systems to enhance its air defense capabilities. Qatar’s deal, valued at close to $5 billion, covers both APKWS and replenishment of Patriot missile defense systems. The United Arab Emirates has also been cleared to purchase APKWS equipment worth $148 million.

The approvals come as Israel and several Gulf countries face continued missile and drone attacks, which have depleted their defense stockpiles and increased reliance on U.S. military support.

Patriot systems, widely used to intercept incoming threats, remain a central component of these deals, while the APKWS technology upgrades unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons.

This latest round of sales follows a separate $16.5 billion arms agreement approved in March for regional allies, including advanced aircraft, drones, and radar systems.

Meanwhile, analysts warn that the sustained use of U.S. weapons in the Iran conflict could strain American military reserves. A recent study suggested that while current stockpiles may suffice for this war, they could fall short in the event of a larger-scale conflict, particularly involving China.

The developments highlight growing security pressures in the Middle East and broader concerns about global military readiness.

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