Emergency approvals bypass Congress as Washington rushes missiles and defence systems to Israel, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait
The United States has approved nearly $9 billion in expedited weapons sales to key Middle East allies, bypassing the standard congressional review process as tensions surrounding the Iran conflict continue to simmer.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio cleared the emergency transfers to Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, citing urgent national security concerns.
According to the US State Department, the decision was made to accelerate the delivery of critical defence equipment, including air defence missiles and precision-guided systems, at a time when the ceasefire linked to the ongoing Iran war appears increasingly unstable.
Israel is set to receive up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II) rounds in a deal valued at nearly $992 million, with BAE Systems as the primary manufacturer.
Kuwait has been approved to purchase Integrated Battle Command Systems worth up to $2.5 billion, involving major defence contractors including Northrop Grumman, RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin.
Qatar’s package includes up to 500 Patriot missile interceptors — both PAC-2 and PAC-3 variants — along with related equipment, in a deal valued at approximately $4 billion. A separate approval also allows Doha to procure 10,000 APKWS-II rounds.
The United Arab Emirates has been cleared for a smaller deal worth $147.6 million, also focused on precision-guided weapon systems.
In official statements, the State Department said Rubio had “determined that an emergency exists” requiring immediate execution of the sales, adding that the transfers are “vital to the national security interests of the United States.”
Under normal circumstances, such arms deals are subject to congressional scrutiny, but emergency provisions allow the administration to bypass that process.
The move comes amid heightened regional instability following the military escalation between the US and Iran earlier this year. Several countries in the region have faced drone and missile threats, raising concerns about a broader conflict.
The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz has further intensified global energy concerns, while diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.
Analysts say the rapid military support to allies signals Washington’s intent to strengthen regional deterrence, even as fears grow that hostilities could resume.
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