According to US media reports, the deal includes approximately $5.6 billion worth of Patriot missile systems and $1.3 billion in advanced combat helicopters. The move follows earlier announcements by the administration of Donald Trump regarding arms sales worth $16.5 billion to other Gulf nations.
The development comes after a phone call between President Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which both leaders discussed Iranian attacks and the broader security situation in the region. They condemned strikes targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, stressing the need for stability.
Meanwhile, the conflict has begun impacting key energy infrastructure across the Gulf. In Kuwait, drone attacks targeted the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, sparking fires and forcing the shutdown of several units, though no casualties were reported.
In Qatar, the head of QatarEnergy, Saad Al-Kaabi, said Iranian attacks had reduced the country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity by 17% for up to five years. He warned that repairs could cost around $26 billion and disrupt supply agreements with countries including Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China.
Al-Kaabi cautioned that the situation could evolve into a broader global energy crisis, noting Qatar’s position as the world’s leading LNG exporter.
