The Trump administration bypassed Congress to expedite arms sales to the UAE and Kuwait
The White House invoked the emergency declaration procedure to expedite multibillion-dollar arms deliveries to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan.
According to a CNN report dated March 19, 2026, the U.S. State Department provided justification for the urgent need to sell defense items, bypassing the standard congressional review process. This decision stems from escalating tensions in the region following Iranian strikes in response to military actions by the U.S. and Israel.
The largest aid package is intended for the UAE and amounts to nearly $8.4 billion, including AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, ammunition for F-16 fighter jets, strike drones, and radar systems for THAAD systems. Kuwait will receive $8 billion worth of air and missile defense radars, while Jordan will receive $70.5 million in aircraft parts and ammunition. These steps are aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of allies in the Persian Gulf amid a direct military conflict with Iran.
In parallel with the acceleration of arms deliveries, the Pentagon has appealed to lawmakers for an additional $200 billion to continue combat operations. The situation in the Middle East remains extremely unstable, forcing the U.S. administration to make emergency decisions to support regional partners. The intensification of military aid to allies is occurring simultaneously with reports of preparations for new peace talks to end Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Canadian Defense Minister David McGinty stated that if NATO-friendly states in the Middle East require assistance during the conflict with Iran, the Alliance will consider such a request. He emphasized that Canada and NATO were not involved in the decisions by the U.S. and Israel regarding strikes on Iran. He made this statement during a conversation with journalists.
Trump expected a sharper spike in oil prices — CNN.
The U.S. is not yet deploying troops to the Middle East — Trump.
The Ministry of the Environment visited the oil refinery in Haifa following the shelling.
As a reminder, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Israel’s largest oil refinery in Haifa (Bazan Group) came under heavy rocket fire from Iran. There are only two refineries in the country.
Also, the war in the Middle East threatens global food security — Al Jazeera.
Footage showed the destruction of a synagogue near Detroit following the attack.
Additionally, the Israeli airline El Al is launching a limited flight schedule due to the war ahead of Easter.
Qatar has spoken out against Iran’s attacks on energy facilities.
An F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing following a suspected Iranian strike.
Israel and Iran are targeting energy infrastructure—Al Jazeera.
On March 19, air raid sirens sounded nine times in Jerusalem.
Israel struck Iran’s fleet in the Caspian Sea for the first time.
The U.S. is trying to communicate with the Iranians despite the internet blackout.
