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US Approves 12,000 Bombs for Israel Amid Escalating Conflict with Iran

The US State Department has approved an emergency foreign military sale to Israel worth approximately $151.8 million, which includes 12,000 aerial bomb bodies. The deal, which waives Congressional review requirements, is intended to improve Israel's defense capabilities against regional threats. This approval comes as a major conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran enters its eighth day, following initial attacks on February 28 that resulted in significant casualties. Tensions remain high with continued strikes and a hardline stance from the US administration.

Key Points: US Sells 12,000 Bombs to Israel as Iran Conflict Intensifies

  • $152M arms deal approved
  • 12,000 BLU-110A/B bomb bodies sold
  • Congressional review waived
  • Conflict with Iran enters 8th day
  • US and Israel launched Feb. 28 attacks
2 min read

US approves sale of 12,000 bombs to Israel amid intensifying conflict with Iran

US State Department approves $152M arms sale to Israel, including 12,000 aerial bombs, as conflict with Iran enters eighth day with fresh strikes.

"The Secretary of State has determined... that an emergency exists - US State Department"

Washington, March 7

The US State Department said that it has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of munitions and related support services, including 12,000 aerial bombs.

The deal is worth about 151.8 million US dollars, the department said in a statement.

Israel has requested to purchase 12,000 BLU-110A/B general purpose, 1,000-pound bomb bodies, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the US State Department statement.

"The Secretary of State (Marco Rubio) has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel of the above defense articles and defense services is in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act," it said.

"The proposed sale will improve Israel's capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats," it added.

The package also includes US government and contractor engineering, logistics, technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support, said the statement.

The United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on February 28, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, multiple senior military commanders and hundreds of civilians. Iran has responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US assets across the region.

As tensions sharply escalated between the United States, Israel and Iran, the conflict entered its eighth day, with Israel carrying out a fresh round of strikes while explosions were reported at one of Tehran's main commercial airports.

The confrontation, which began on February 28 with a strike in Tehran, has steadily widened in scope. What initially appeared to be a series of aerial exchanges has now expanded into a broader theatre of conflict, including drone attacks taking place across the Gulf region.

US President Donald Trump adopted a hardline stance on the crisis, stating that there would be "no deal" with Iran unless it offered what he described as "unconditional surrender".

He further suggested that after such a capitulation, Iran should move toward selecting a new leadership that would be acceptable to his administration.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand strategic alliances, this feels like pouring petrol on a fire. The humanitarian cost will be immense. India must continue its balanced diplomacy and call for an immediate ceasefire. Our own security in the region depends on stability.
A
Arjun K
The "emergency" waiver bypassing Congress is telling. This conflict is escalating fast. For India, it's a delicate situation. We have good relations with both Israel and Iran. Hope our diplomats are working overtime to ensure our interests are protected.
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Sarah B
Watching from abroad, the rhetoric of "unconditional surrender" is alarming. It leaves no room for diplomacy. This will only prolong the suffering of ordinary people. The international community needs to step in.
V
Vikram M
12,000 bombs? That's not defense, that's preparation for a massive offensive. This will directly impact us through higher fuel prices and potential threats to Indian diaspora in the Gulf. Our government must advocate for de-escalation strongly.
K
Karthik V
With respect, I have to criticize the US approach here. Arming one side so heavily undermines any chance for a balanced peace process. India's stance of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) is what's needed now, not more weapons.

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