Biden Administration Boosts Middle East Allies with Multibillion-Dollar Arms Deal
October 21, 2024The Biden administration has approved a multibillion-dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to counter Iran's regional influence amidst escalating Middle East tensions.
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U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One prior departing for his trip to Europe at Joint Base Andrews, Md., March 23, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Huddleston)The Biden administration has strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates through a massive arms agreement, bolstering its pushback against Iran's regional influence. Saudi Arabia secured over $1 billion worth of Hellfire and Sidewinder missiles, artillery, tank and machine gun ammunition. The UAE received approval for up to $1.2 billion in guided-rocket systems, long-range missiles and training.
President Joe Biden lifted restrictions on Saudi Arabia's offensive weapon sales in August to encourage ending its Yemen conflict. This move responds to escalating tensions with Iran-backed Houthis targeting Red Sea shipping and Hamas attacking Israel.
The arms deal underscores the administration's strategic balancing act between security concerns and human rights worries. Lockheed Martin Corp supplies most arms, while RTX Corp provides Sidewinder missiles. Congress has 30 days to review and potentially block the sales.
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