Missiles falling. Billions flowing. Congress sidelined.
Emergency Approvals for UAE, Kuwait and Jordan Bypass Congress as Iran Strikes Intensify.
The United States has approved a sweeping series of emergency arms sales to Gulf and Middle Eastern allies, bypassing the standard congressional review process as Iranian missile and drone attacks continue across the region.
The largest package, valued at more than $8 billion, was cleared for the United Arab Emirates.
It includes a $4.5 billion Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system designed to intercept ballistic missiles, $2.1 billion in counter-drone capabilities through the FS-LIDS system, $1.22 billion in Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), and $644 million in F-16 munitions, including precision-guided bombs such as GBU-39 small diameter bombs and Joint Direct Attack Munitions.
In parallel, Washington approved an additional $8 billion sale to Kuwait for advanced Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor Radars aimed at strengthening early-warning and missile-tracking capabilities.
Jordan also received emergency approval for a $70.5 million package covering aircraft support and munitions to maintain operational readiness.
All transactions were designated as emergency measures, allowing the administration to circumvent the usual congressional notification requirements. U.S. officials framed the move as necessary to rapidly reinforce regional air and missile defense systems amid evolving threats.
The approvals come as Gulf states face repeated ballistic missile and drone launches attributed to Iran. Energy infrastructure and urban centers have been targeted in recent weeks, raising concerns about broader instability and potential disruption to global oil and gas markets.
By accelerating these deals, Washington is signaling that it intends not only to defend its own forces in the region but to strengthen the deterrent capacity of key partners.
The scale and speed of the approvals reflect the administration’s assessment that regional defenses must be upgraded immediately, rather than over the slower timeline of traditional arms-transfer procedures.
While the emergency designation avoids immediate congressional scrutiny, it also underscores the urgency U.S. officials attach to the current security environment. The strategic message is clear: as missile threats expand, so too will American military backing for Gulf allies.
