The numbers keep climbing. On Thursday the State Department approved $16.5 billion in arms sales to the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan -- air-defense systems, LTAMDS radars, Patriot PAC-3 missiles, drones. [1] A separate $7 billion package to the UAE was pushed through channels that bypass public disclosure. [2] The Trump administration invoked the emergency clause of US arms control law, skipping the standard 30-day congressional review. [1]

This follows earlier reporting on the accelerating arms pipeline to Gulf partners already under Iranian missile fire. The total now sits near $23 billion in a single week.

The contradiction is sharp. Washington is rushing weapons to allies who are simultaneously distancing themselves from the coalition. Gulf states have declined to open their airspace for US strike sorties. Saudi Arabia has refused to increase oil production to offset Hormuz closure losses. The UAE's frustration over Washington prioritizing Israeli defense systems over Gulf protection has been stated publicly. [3]

Secretary Rubio justified the emergency sales by citing the immediate threat environment. Defense Secretary Hegseth was more direct: "Obviously, it takes money to kill bad guys." [1]

The arms are flowing. The coalition is not.

-- LUCIA VEGA, Sao Paulo