The United States approved potential arms sales worth more than $16.5 billion to three Middle Eastern countries, the State Department announced Thursday, as regional tensions intensify alongside the ongoing war involving Iran.
The proposed deals include advanced missile systems, drones, radar platforms, munitions, and upgrades to fighter aircraft, reflecting Washington’s effort to strengthen regional defense capabilities amid rising security risks and threats to energy infrastructure.
The largest portion of the agreements involves a defense package for the United Arab Emirates valued at more than $8.4 billion. The deal includes missile systems, unmanned aerial platforms, radar technologies, ammunition supplies, and modernization upgrades for F-16 fighter jets, according to reports citing U.S. officials.
The package is aimed at enhancing air defense readiness and improving operational capabilities in response to growing regional instability.
The State Department also approved the potential sale of defensive radar systems to Kuwait, estimated at approximately $8 billion, designed to strengthen early-warning and air defense capabilities.
In addition, Jordan received approval for military support services and ammunition supplies valued at $70.5 million, reinforcing ongoing defense cooperation between Washington and Amman.
Officials said the primary contractors expected to participate in the agreements include RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin, among the largest defense manufacturers in the United States.
The approvals mark a significant expansion of defense cooperation between Washington and its regional partners during a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
The arms sales follow Iranian strikes targeting energy infrastructure in response to Israeli attacks on Iranian gas facilities, representing one of the most serious escalations since the conflict began roughly three weeks ago.
The confrontation has already contributed to sharp increases in global oil and natural gas prices, raising concerns about supply disruptions and inflationary pressures worldwide.
U.S. officials say strengthening allied defense capabilities is intended not only to deter further escalation but also to safeguard critical energy routes and infrastructure essential to global markets.
As the conflict continues to reshape regional security dynamics, analysts expect defense cooperation and military spending across the Middle East to remain elevated, reflecting growing concerns over energy security and geopolitical stability.
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