Talks between the United Arab Emirates and Washington on a $23 billion deal to buy F-35 jets, armed drones, and other equipment from the US were suspended Tuesday, a rare rift between the US and an important regional ally.
While the UAE embassy in Washington says it will “suspend discussions” with the US, meetings planned for this week between the two countries on other issues will continue.
“The US remains the UAE’s preferred provider for advanced defence requirements and discussions for the F-35 may be re-opened in the future,” the embassy said in an official statement.
Former President Donald Trump proposed selling 50 F-35s to the UAE at the end of his administration, following a deal where the Emiratis recognized Israel.
After taking office, the current Biden administration put the deal on hold partly owing to criticism of the UAE and Saudi Arabia for their years long war in Yemen, which has sparked one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
