The US has approved 2.2 billion sale of tanks to Bahrain

The State Department has told Congress it is willing to sell 50 M1A2 Abrams tanks, normally used for ground military operations, to the small island nation, which has strained relations with nearby Iran.

“The proposed sale will improve Bahrain’s ability to counter current and future threats by providing a credible force capable of deterring adversaries and enabling it to participate in regional operations alongside the United States and other US partner nations,” the State Department said in a statement.

Congress can still block the sale, though most military deals are routinely accepted.

Bahrain is home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, and the country is classified as one of the main non-NATO allies, so it has privileged cooperation with the United States in the field of defense.

Bahrain is unique among Arab countries in having joined the US-UK-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels over attacks on shipping carried out in solidarity with Palestinians in the conflict between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas.

Abrams tanks are a pillar of the US military.

Last year, US President Joe Biden approved Abrams tanks for Ukraine to fight Russian troops, although he was initially concerned regarding the time needed to produce the vehicles and train Ukrainian forces.

The State Department said regarding 30 US contractors and one government official will be sent to Bahrain for up to five years to conduct training.

Bahrain came under fire in 2011 when, with the backing of the Sunni kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it quelled an uprising by its Shiite community demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister.

Then US President Barack Obama then imposed an arms embargo for four years. Former President Donald Trump (Donald Trump), who congratulated Bahrain on its recognition of Israel, returned the favorable position of the United States towards the country.

Last year, the Biden administration signed a new agreement with Bahrain to strengthen defense and economic ties, including increased intelligence sharing.