US approves $8.6bn in arms sales to Middle East allies

The US State Department has approved arms sales to Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The sales include the transfer of advanced precision kill weapon systems and related equipment, as well as battle command systems and Patriot air and missile defence systems. The deals are justified as being in the national security interests of the US, bypassing congressional review. The sales aim to replenish stockpiles drained by missile and drone attacks from Iran.