The U.S. State Department has approved a $16.5 billion arms sale to the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan, including $8.4 billion in military equipment for the UAE, as tensions with Iran escalate. The deal, which does not require congressional approval, includes radar systems and F-16 aircraft.
A partial US government shutdown since February 14 has impacted the Department of Homeland Security, leaving TSA workers unpaid and causing staffing shortages and long lines at airports.
Iranians are purchasing goods for the Persian New Year, Nowruz, as tensions with the US and Israel escalate. The celebrations continue despite warnings of potential deadly attacks.
An Iranian missile struck an oil refinery in Haifa, Israel, disrupting power briefly but causing no reported injuries. The plant supplies half of Israel’s domestic fuel.
Iran's attack on Qatar's Ras Laffan gas facility is expected to reduce the country’s LNG export capacity by 17% for 3 to 5 years, according to officials. The damage could disrupt global energy supplies to Europe, Asia and other regions.
Qatar's prime minister condemned Iran's attacks on US bases as unacceptable and unjustified, following an attack on a gas plant in Ras Laffan. He urged Iran to stop escalating regional tensions.