The United States has approved a $7 billion arms sale to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The deal comes after recent attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, according to American media reports.
The arms sale includes $5.6 billion worth of Patriot missiles and $1.3 billion in advanced combat helicopters. Officials say the deal aims to strengthen UAE’s defense capabilities and maintain regional stability.
This announcement follows a phone call between US President Donald Trump and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The leaders discussed recent Iranian attacks and condemned assaults on civilians and key installations in the UAE. Both emphasized the importance of security and stability in the region.
The arms sale comes after the Trump administration previously announced deals worth $16.5 billion for three other Gulf countries. Analysts say these sales are part of a broader strategy to deter Iran amid ongoing conflicts.
Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to escalate. Drone attacks targeted Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery, causing fires in several units, according to state media. No casualties were reported, but some refinery operations were temporarily shut down.
In addition, Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production has been affected by Iranian attacks. Saad Al-Kaabi, CEO of Qatar Energy, stated that facilities responsible for 17% of Qatar’s LNG exports were damaged. Repairs may take three to five years and cost approximately $26 billion.
Al-Kaabi added that Qatar might need to temporarily suspend LNG supply contracts with countries including Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China. He warned that the disruption could affect the global energy market, as Qatar is the world’s largest LNG exporter.
Experts say the recent arms sale and energy disruptions highlight increasing instability in the Gulf. Both defense and energy sectors remain vulnerable, making international attention and coordination essential.
The US-UAE deal is seen as a step to bolster security in the region, but ongoing attacks and production setbacks underline the risks for both local populations and global markets.
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