The United States has accelerated a fresh wave of arms sales to Gulf allies, advancing roughly $23 billion in defence deals as the Iran-Israel conflict widens across the region.
The approvals, reported by The Wall Street Journal, target the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The move comes as attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping routes intensify, raising concerns about supply disruptions and regional security.
Washington has positioned the package as a rapid effort to strengthen allied defences and ensure closer coordination with US forces as tensions continue to escalate.
Conflict widens across energy and shipping
The latest push follows a sharp escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel, with strikes now extending beyond military targets.
Energy infrastructure across the Gulf has come under pressure, while maritime risks have increased along key transit routes.
Iran’s response to Israeli strikes has included attacks affecting regional energy facilities, adding strain to global supply chains.
The widening scope of the conflict has increased the exposure of Gulf states, many of which host critical oil and gas infrastructure.
In this environment, US policymakers have moved to reinforce defensive capabilities among partners seen as directly vulnerable to spillover risks.
Core defence package targets air systems
The State Department has advanced more than $16 billion in arms sales covering air defence systems, radar equipment, and munitions for the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The UAE is expected to receive a significant share of advanced systems, including bombs and radar technologies, while Kuwait’s allocation is focused on strengthening its air defence network.
Jordan is included through support for aircraft and munitions programmes aimed at improving readiness.
Officials have indicated that these systems are designed to help partner countries respond to both immediate threats and longer-term security challenges, particularly as missile and drone attacks become more frequent.
UAE deal expands through parallel channels
In addition to the publicly notified package, US authorities have approved a further $7 billion in arms sales for the UAE through channels that do not require public disclosure.
This additional package is structured as an extension of previously approved agreements, allowing it to proceed without the standard notification process typically required for new deals, as also noted by Reuters.
It includes Patriot PAC-3 missile systems worth about $5.6 billion, designed to intercept incoming missile threats, along with CH-47 Chinook helicopters valued at around $1.32 billion for transport and logistics operations.
Smaller components include roughly $37 million in Predator XP drone systems and sustainment support for light aircraft.
Emergency clause accelerates process
To speed up delivery, the US administration has invoked an emergency clause under its arms control laws, allowing certain deals to bypass the usual 30-day congressional review period.
The use of this mechanism highlights the urgency attached to the current security situation, where threats now extend to energy infrastructure and key maritime corridors.
The approvals also reflect a broader shift towards faster deployment of military support and deeper defence integration with Gulf allies.
As the conflict continues to spread, the focus has moved towards ensuring that regional partners remain equipped to respond quickly and operate alongside US forces when needed.
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