Biden approves massive $5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, UAE to counter Iran
Deal includes $3 billion for Patriot missiles for Riyadh, designed specifically to protect against rocket attacks by Houthis in Yemen, and $2.2 billion for UAE missile defense
By Matthew Lee
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Tuesday approved two massive arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to help them defend against Iran. The more than $5 billion in missile defense and related sales follow US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East last month, during which he met with numerous regional leaders in Saudi Arabia. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been hit in recent months with rocket attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement in Yemen.
Although Tuesday’s approvals are for defensive weapons, they may be questioned by lawmakers who had supported Biden’s decision last year to cut Saudi Arabia and the UAE off from major purchases of offensive US arms because of their involvement in the war in Yemen.
more........... https://www.timesofisrael.com/biden...rms-sale-to-saudi-arabia-uae-to-counter-iran/
Deal includes $3 billion for Patriot missiles for Riyadh, designed specifically to protect against rocket attacks by Houthis in Yemen, and $2.2 billion for UAE missile defense
By Matthew Lee
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Tuesday approved two massive arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to help them defend against Iran. The more than $5 billion in missile defense and related sales follow US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East last month, during which he met with numerous regional leaders in Saudi Arabia. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been hit in recent months with rocket attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement in Yemen.
Although Tuesday’s approvals are for defensive weapons, they may be questioned by lawmakers who had supported Biden’s decision last year to cut Saudi Arabia and the UAE off from major purchases of offensive US arms because of their involvement in the war in Yemen.
more........... https://www.timesofisrael.com/biden...rms-sale-to-saudi-arabia-uae-to-counter-iran/
