International

US Approves $1.96B Precision Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Conflict

Published

4 weeks ago

July 16, 2026

US Approves $1.96B Precision Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Conflict

The United States has approved a proposed weapons sale worth nearly $2 billion** to Saudi Arabia, a move aimed at strengthening the kingdom’s air defence capabilities amid heightened tensions across the Middle East. The US State Department announced on July 15, 2026, that it had authorised the possible sale of military equipment valued at approximately **$1.96 billion, including up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS-II) and related support equipment . The announcement comes as security concerns continue to mount in the region, with renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran and escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels . According to the State Department, the proposed sale is intended to improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to counter current and emerging threats, enhance the security of its territory, and increase military interoperability with the United States and allied forces .

The proposed package includes 10,000 air-to-air guidance sections and 10,000 air-to-ground guidance sections for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II . The equipment also includes LAU-131 rocket launchers, Mk-152 high-explosive warheads, Mk66 rocket motors, proximity fuzes, practice warheads, spare and repair parts, technical documentation, training equipment, and logistics support services . The APKWS-II is not a missile in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a laser-guidance kit, built by BAE Systems, that converts standard 70mm Hydra unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons . This conversion matters because it takes a rocket that would otherwise fly in a straight, unguided line and gives it accuracy rivaling far more expensive missiles, all while keeping the unit cost somewhere between $15,000 and $22,000 . By comparison, a single AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile costs approximately $1 million**, while an AIM-9X Sidewinder costs about **$450,000 . The affordability of APKWS-II has turned it into the US military’s weapon of choice for a very specific and increasingly common problem: shooting down cheap, one-way attack drones and low-end cruise missiles without burning through interceptors that cost fifty or a hundred times more than the target they are destroying . According to BAE Systems, the APKWS-II has a maximum effective range of approximately 6.5 kilometres when fired from helicopters and up to 14 kilometres from fixed-wing aircraft, achieving an accuracy of roughly two metres from the designated target . Saudi Arabia is expected to deploy the system on its AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and F-15SA fighter jets .

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The approval comes amid escalating military exchanges across the Middle East. The Iran war began in February 2026 following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and senior military leadership . Iran responded with sustained waves of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and one-way attack drones targeting Israel as well as military infrastructure across the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia . The arms sale also follows a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. On July 13, 2026, the Houthis launched missiles at Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia after the Yemeni government struck Sanaa airport in an attempt to divert a flight carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader . The Houthis blamed Riyadh for the attack, raising fears of renewed conflict . Just two days before the arms approval, Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia toward the kingdom’s southern regions . The kingdom has spent years fighting Houthi rebels across its southern border, absorbing repeated drone and missile attacks aimed at its territory . This latest request builds directly on a much smaller purchase Saudi Arabia made in March 2025, when the State Department approved a $100 million sale covering 2,000 APKWS-II guidance kits . The jump from 2,000 units to a potential 20,000 signals Saudi Arabia is moving from testing the system in limited numbers toward building a large, sustained stockpile meant to last through years of continued regional tension .

The State Department stated that the proposed sale would “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region” . Officials emphasised that the transaction would enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats while improving interoperability with US, regional, and NATO forces . The principal contractor for the deal is BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire . Implementation will require the assignment of 15 additional US government and 15 US contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia for an extended period to support program and technical reviews, training, and maintenance support . The proposed sale has been forwarded to the US Congress for review, a mandatory step before the transaction can be finalised . Congress has the authority to object to such sales, although major defence deals involving longstanding US allies are often approved. As of July 16, 2026, no congressional leaders or committees have filed formal objections or joint resolutions of disapproval . The State Department noted that the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region” .

In a separate move, the State Department also authorised a $484 million Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait for C-17 Sustainment and related equipment . The Kuwait package includes aircraft components, parts and accessories, modification and support equipment, spare and repair parts, ground handling equipment, communications equipment, software support, technical documentation, training, and logistics services . The State Department said Kuwait’s C-17 fleet “directly support[s] US and coalition operations around the world,” underscoring the aircraft’s role in Washington’s military operations .

US Approves $1.96B Precision Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Conflict

International

US, Iran Nearing Peace Agreement, Pakistan Defence Minister

Published

4 hours ago

August 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi and US President Donald Trump

US, Iran Nearing Peace Agreement, Pakistan Defence Minister

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has stated that the United States and Iran are close to reaching “some sort of an arrangement,” pointing to renewed diplomatic momentum as Islamabad continues its mediating role between the two longstanding adversaries. Asif made the comments in an interview with Bloomberg News in Islamabad on Tuesday, saying recent signals indicated that Washington and Tehran were moving closer to a deal that could ease tensions in the Middle East. “Things are shaping up again in favor of a peace arrangement or a deal,” Asif said, adding that “the signals in the last two three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement.” His remarks come as Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is currently meeting Iranian leadership in Tehran as part of Islamabad’s renewed push for resolution of the standoff, particularly concerning the strategic Strait of Hormuz. A Pakistani government source told Anadolu Agency that Naqvi would share “some new proposals” with the Iranian leadership to resolve the impasse, though details of the proposals were not disclosed. Asif emphasised that a long-term peace agreement between the United States and Iran would be beneficial not only to both countries but to the broader Middle East region. He said the emerging signals were favourable to peace, but cautioned that further negotiations would be required before any agreement could be considered final. His remarks did not amount to an announcement of a completed deal, and there has been no official confirmation from Washington or Tehran that a final agreement has been signed.

The latest indications follow months of conflict and repeated diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a durable settlement. Pakistan has positioned itself as a potential bridge between Washington and Tehran, using its relations with both countries to support negotiations. In June 2026, Pakistan facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signing as mediator. The MoU entered into force with immediate effect, with Iran agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States committing to lift its naval blockade as a first step. However, subsequent talks stalled over disagreements on security guarantees and freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway, through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flowed before the war. Pakistan’s National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in June recognising the country’s efforts in facilitating the peace agreement, describing Pakistan as a “trusted and neutral mediator on the global stage.” The resolution appreciated the role played by PM Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in the negotiations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously told parliament that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir had played “the most crucial role” in securing the peace agreement and had worked tirelessly over several months. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly telephoned Sharif to thank Pakistan and specifically acknowledged Munir’s role.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on August 8 that Iran would continue pursuing a “path of peace” with the United States under the MoU, but stressed that Tehran’s participation in negotiations would depend on Washington creating an atmosphere of trust. “We are determined to use the MoU as the basis provided that the United States lets go of the atmosphere of distrust it has created, and an atmosphere of trust is formed,” Pezeshkian said at a press conference. US Vice President JD Vance also acknowledged “some progress” in talks with Iran, telling Fox News that Washington is focused on maximizing the amount of oil and gas coming out of the Strait of Hormuz. Vance noted that Iranians and Gulf countries, particularly Oman, have been discussing how to ensure the safe flow of traffic through the waterway. A Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday that talks between Iran and Oman about reopening the Strait of Hormuz to some maritime shipping have reached an “advanced stage.” However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that reopening the strait would depend on other conditions, including “compensation” from the United States for “violating” the MoU.

Despite the diplomatic progress, Israel has explicitly rejected Pakistan’s involvement in regional peace efforts, citing deep-seated distrust. Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, told ANI: “We don’t trust the Pakistanis. I think that their behaviour has been reprehensible, their approach towards Israel, the anti-Semitic remarks of their defence minister, etc.” The comments came after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made controversial remarks on social media in April 2026, labelling Israel as “evil” and a “curse for humanity,” and referring to the country as a “cancerous state.” Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also declared that Israel is not bound by the US-brokered agreement, stating: “Trump’s agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation!”

The reported progress comes amid continuing regional tensions, with the US and Iran having exchanged military strikes in July 2026. A successful agreement could ease those tensions and create the basis for a longer-term diplomatic settlement between Washington and Tehran, though several significant obstacles remain. These include Israel’s opposition to Pakistan’s involvement and to the broader agreement, unresolved issues over Iran’s nuclear program, disagreements on security guarantees and freedom of navigation, and a lack of trust between the parties, with Iran demanding compensation from the US.

Asif said the emerging signals were favourable to peace, but further negotiations would be required before any agreement could be considered final. For now, however, there has been no indication from the United States or Iran that a final agreement has been signed, leaving the reported progress subject to further negotiations. Pakistan’s involvement has given Islamabad a prominent diplomatic role in the efforts, with Pakistani officials repeatedly expressing support for a negotiated settlement. The reported progress comes amid continuing regional tensions and wider concerns over the impact of the US-Iran confrontation on security and stability across the Middle East.

US, Iran Nearing Peace Agreement, Pakistan Defence Minister

International

University Student Stabbed to Death Over Alleged £3,000 Debt, Fake Rolex

Published

12 hours ago

August 11, 2026

Trends Admin

University Student Stabbed to Death Over Alleged £3,000 Debt, Fake Rolex

A De Montfort University student was fatally stabbed in the heart while on the phone to his girlfriend after a falling out with a friend over an alleged £3,000 debt and a fake Rolex watch, a murder trial has heard. Khaleed Oladipo, 20, was walking home from his girlfriend’s flat in Leicester on February 3 when he was attacked by Harper Dennis, 18, a first-year student at the University of Leicester, prosecutors told Leicester Crown Court. The two had been friends through online gaming and were part of a Snapchat group, but their relationship soured over money.

Oladipo was on the phone with his girlfriend when he was stabbed five times in the chest, with one wound penetrating his heart. His girlfriend heard him say, “Why did you come up and stab me?” before he asked her to call an ambulance. The stabbing was captured on a passing car’s dashcam, which showed the two men engage in a “short struggle” before falling to the ground. A witness recalled seeing “a snowstorm of feathers” from their puffer jackets during the attack. Prosecutors said the defendant’s arm movement was “consistent with the stab wounds inflicted to the left hand side of Khaleed’s chest.” The attack lasted “in reality, seconds,” according to prosecutor Jane Osborne KC. Oladipo collapsed and never regained consciousness. A post-mortem examination found he had suffered six wounds, five to the chest, with the fatal stab wound being 13cm deep. He was pronounced dead just over an hour later at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

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The court heard that Dennis perceived Oladipo owed him £3,000. The dispute was fueled by an incident involving a fake Rolex watch that Oladipo had given Dennis to sell. Oladipo had allegedly advised Dennis not to go to certain jewellers because the watch was counterfeit. When Dennis attempted to sell it at a jeweller’s in Hatton Garden, London, he was “laughed at” and left “embarrassed and angry.” Messages between the two showed the deteriorating relationship, with Dennis sending a Snapchat message on Boxing Day saying he would “dedicate his life to making sure you suffer for what you did.” On Christmas Day 2025, Dennis allegedly made two anonymous threatening phone calls to Oladipo’s girlfriend, saying Oladipo was “a bad guy” who owed £3,000, and intimating he would come to her if the money was not paid. Financial records showed a final transfer of 60p from Oladipo to Dennis on Christmas Day with the reference “5999 to go.”

Dennis was arrested at his accommodation later that evening. Police seized his mobile phone, but he refused to provide the PIN code. A search of his flat found four knives, including a Kombat Tactical knife with serration. He had also given a flatmate a black bin bag containing the clothing he was seen wearing in CCTV footage at the time of the attack. Dennis, who denies murder, claims he acted in self-defence. He is also charged with possession of a bladed article and failing to provide the PIN for his phone. The trial, expected to last three weeks, continues.

University Student Stabbed to Death Over Alleged £3,000 Debt, Fake Rolex

International

Death Toll Rises to 132 as 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Western Colombia

Published

14 hours ago

August 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Death Toll Rises to 132 as 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Western Colombia

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday has claimed at least 132 lives, with more than 570 people injured, according to the latest update from the Colombian government. Newly sworn-in President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of national disaster as rescue teams race against time to locate survivors trapped under collapsed buildings across multiple cities. The quake, which struck at 7:34 a.m. local time, had its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, approximately 400 kilometres west of the capital, Bogotá. The Colombian Geological Service reported a depth of 96 kilometres, while the US Geological Survey placed it at 107 kilometres. The tremor was felt as far away as Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela, prompting building evacuations across the region.

President Espriella, who assumed office just three days before the disaster, has directly assumed leadership of the emergency response in San José del Palmar. In a message to the nation, he stated: “I have ordered the installation of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the attention to damages and those affected. I will personally be in Pereira to accompany those affected and verify the government’s response. You are not alone. The State is present and acting.” The government has mobilised the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts.

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The preliminary government assessment paints a grim picture of the devastation, with the coffee-growing region of Risaralda recording the highest death toll at 42 fatalities. The full extent of the destruction includes at least 61 buildings collapsed and over 1,500 homes damaged, 18 health centres, 52 schools and 17 community centres damaged, 18 roads affected by the tremor, and operations suspended at seven airports, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, pending structural inspections.

The city of Pereira has been one of the hardest-hit areas, with officials describing “serious damage to some buildings” and “shocking images of people injured and building facades collapsed.” In Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, at least 20 buildings have collapsed, with people trapped inside. Mayor Alejandro Eder has requested support from rescue workers in Bogotá and Medellín, urging citizens to remain calm and check for structural damage at their homes. The mayor of Manizales reported significant damage, including the clock tower of the Cathedral Basilica now slumped at a dangerous angle.

The earthquake, described as the strongest recorded in Colombia in the last decade by the Colombian Geological Service, has been followed by at least two aftershocks with magnitudes of 2.8 and 4.8. The US Geological Survey reported that approximately 1.5 million people experienced “very strong” shakes severe enough to cause damage to unreinforced masonry buildings.

The United States has announced it will commit $15.5 million in emergency funding to Colombia to provide shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments for victims. “We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support President Abelardo de la Espriella and his government as they assess the needs on the ground,” the US State Department stated. The department is also actively assisting American citizens affected by the earthquake. The European Union has offered support through its Copernicus satellite system, with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen stating, “Europe’s heart is with the people of Colombia.” The Chinese Embassy in Colombia has confirmed that, as of the latest reports, no Chinese nationals were among the casualties.

Rescue efforts continue as authorities work to reach isolated communities and provide assistance to thousands displaced by the disaster. Vice-President José Manuel Restrepo Abondano has pledged that the government “will not rest until that aid reaches every family that needs it and contributes to the recovery of the affected territories.”