US expedites $8.6 billion in arms sales to Middle East allies

WASHINGTON – 2 May 2026: The United States has bypassed congressional review to approve more than $8.6 billion in military sales to Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, Reuters reported.

The State Department approvals, announced Friday, come two months after the start of the US- and Israeli-led war with Iran, which is currently paused under a ceasefire.

Fighting began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces struck Iran. Tehran responded with attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases.

While air defenses in the region intercepted many projectiles, Iranian missiles and drones struck targets in several countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, killing and wounding dozens and damaging infrastructure.