US approves $16.5 billion arms sales to Middle East amid Iran conflict

WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday approved arms sales worth over $16.5 billion to three Middle East countries as tensions with Iran escalate.

The deals include missiles, drones, radar systems, and F-16 munitions and upgrades for the United Arab Emirates valued at more than $8.4 billion. Kuwait is set to receive air and missile defense radars for around $8 billion, while Jordan will get aircraft support and munitions worth $70.5 million.

The State Department said the sales come after Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure following Israeli strikes on Iranian gas facilities, the largest escalation in the nearly three-week conflict, which has pushed gas and oil prices higher.

Major contractors involved include RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin.