US Approves $8 Billion Arms Sales to Middle East Allies

The US State Department has approved more than $8 billion in arms sales to Middle East partners, bypassing congressional review by citing an emergency. The sales include air-defense systems and laser-guided rockets to Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

This move follows previous emergency approvals for weapons to the region since the start of the war with Iran. Iran submitted a 14-point response to a US proposal, according to Iranian state media. The response calls for resolving issues within 30 days and focusing on terminating the war rather than extending a ceasefire.

US officials indicated they would review the plan soon.

Iran's parliament is set to approve a law restricting vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The measure would ban Israeli ships entirely and require vessels from hostile countries to pay reparations for permits. All other ships would need Iranian authorization to transit the waterway.

This development occurs as talks between Tehran and Washington remain stalled. Iranian state media reported that the proposal comes after the US rejected a previous version. A deputy foreign minister stated that the choice between diplomacy and confrontation now rests with the US.

The US plans to withdraw more than the initially announced 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year. The Pentagon described the move as resulting from a thorough review of force posture in Europe. Friction with European leaders has grown due to the war with Iran, which the US launched without notifying most NATO allies.

German officials called the withdrawal foreseeable and emphasized the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. Germany hosts key US military installations, including Ramstein Air Base, headquarters for US air forces in Europe.

China has ordered companies not to comply with US sanctions on five oil refineries accused of trading Iranian fuel. This is the first use of China's blocking rules against what it deems improper extraterritorial actions by the US. The US imposed the sanctions as part of efforts to disrupt Iran's illicit oil trade and hold entities accountable for funding destabilizing activities.

Analysts noted this could complicate US sanctions enforcement.

Despite a declared ceasefire in Lebanon, Israel and Hezbollah continued strikes against each other. This comes amid broader tensions including US arms sales and Iran's proposed strait restrictions.

“The ball is in America’s court to choose the path of diplomacy or confrontation." — A deputy foreign minister, as reported by state broadcaster IRIB. The arms sales include Patriot missiles to Qatar, with a report noting US stockpiles have been depleted by the war. The State Department justified the emergency bypass for each sale. These events unfold against a backdrop of intensified US-Iran friction, including previous emergency weapons approvals to allies in March.”