'The US is mulling arms sales worth $20 billion to Saudi Arabia as part of a controversial deal that could run into opposition from legislators, The New York Times reported on Saturday.
'The package would include advance weaponry such as satellite-guided bombs and upgrades to the country's air force and navy, the daily said.
'The deal, to be formally presented to Congress during the fall, comes as administration officials voiced concerns on Friday that Saudi Arabia was playing an unproductive role in Iraq. Assurance that the Saudi government would lend greater support to US efforts in Iraq was reportedly not part of the arms deal.
'The increase in arms sales is part of a plan to bolster the militaries of US allies in the Gulf in the face of Iran's growing strength in the region, officials told the Times. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates could also receive increased military aid as part of the deal.' (Hindustan Times article).
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