Rubio Approves $25.8 Billion in Weapons Push for Mideast Nations

Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the sale of hundreds of prized air-defense interceptors and other weapons to Middle East partners in deals worth $25.8 billion, three times the amount disclosed when the administration announced the agreements last week.

Rubio made an emergency approval for the sales on May 1 to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, according to a State Department spokesperson. A congressional aide, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations, confirmed lawmakers had been notified of the department’s action.