The US State Department has approved three possible foreign military sales to Egypt, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates worth a combined estimated $2.27 billion, as Washington deepens defense ties with key partners in the Middle East.

The largest proposed deal involves the United Arab Emirates, which has requested up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II) guidance sections in air-to-air and air-to-ground configurations, according to the State Department.

The proposed UAE package is estimated at $1.041 billion and includes related equipment and support.

The State Department said the sale would support the UAE's ability to address “current and future threats” while strengthening its interoperability with US and coalition forces.

The second-largest proposed deal is for Egypt, which has requested Javelin anti-tank missile systems in a package estimated at $832 million.

According to the notification, Cairo has requested up to 2,020 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, including 20 missiles intended for testing, as well as up to 200 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units.

The proposed sale would provide Egypt with additional anti-armor capabilities and strengthen its ability to respond to potential security threats.

The third proposed sale involves Kuwait and is valued at approximately $400 million.

The package would provide Patriot missile system repair and return services, along with associated equipment and logistical support.

The proposed deal would help Kuwait maintain the operational readiness of its existing Patriot air-defense capabilities.

The proposed arms sales come against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East following the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The conflict began on Feb. 28, when Washington and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, according to the US account cited in the notification.

Iran subsequently launched attacks targeting US military positions in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, further raising security concerns among Washington's regional partners.

The latest proposed sales would provide three key US partners with additional offensive, anti-armor and air-defense capabilities as governments across the Gulf and wider Middle East reassess their security requirements.

The proposed sales also come amid continuing diplomatic efforts concerning Iran's nuclear program and security around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors.

The United States and Iran signed a framework agreement in June outlining immediate steps aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway and addressing Iran's nuclear program.

The framework expired in August without a final agreement, leaving key issues unresolved.

The State Department's approval of the three potential sales does not constitute a completed arms transfer. Congress will have the opportunity to review the proposed transactions before any final agreements are concluded. (ILKHA)