Arab states demand weapons, security guarantees from US in lieu of backing Iran nuke deal

The leaders of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council have been demanding major new weapon systems and security guarantees from the United States in lieu of backing a nuclear agreement with Iran, U.S. and Arab officials said.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are planning to use a high-level meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama later this month to demand additional fighter jets, missile batteries and surveillance equipment, reported Fox News.

They also intend to press for defense agreements between the U.S. and the Gulf nations that would outline terms and conditions under which Washington would intervene if they are threatened by Iran, officials said.

Arab states have long sought to strengthen their military arsenals but the requests posed problems for U.S. officials who wanted to demonstrate support for Arab allies, many of whom host American military bases, while also ensuring that Israel maintains a military advantage in the region.

If Obama decides to fulfill the demands made by the Gulf states, the decision could face headwinds in Congress and create new friction with Israel, given the ongoing negotiations on an Iran nuclear deal.