DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - While Iran's military loudly trumpets every new project in hopes of rattling the U.S. and its Gulf Arab allies, the U.S. is quietly answering with an array of proposed arms sales across the region.
In the past two months, the Defense Department has notified Congress of possible deals totaling more than $11.3 billion to Gulf states such as Qatar and Kuwait, which are seen as some of America's critical front-line partners in containing Iran and protecting oil shipping lanes.
The proposed sales -- including Patriot missile batteries and Apache attack helicopters -- are still modest compared with massive Gulf purchases such as Saudi Arabia's $60 billion package last year.
But the recent flurry of expected sales from U.S. firms, approved by the Pentagon and outlined in notifications to Congress, underscores the growing emphasis among nervous Gulf states on seeking quick upgrades to existing firepower and defensive networks.
Gulf worries about possible military action against Iran have increased with diplomatic efforts making little headway in easing the showdown over Tehran's nuclear program, which the West and others fear could eventually develop atomic weapons.
Iran says it only seeks reactors for energy and medical uses.
An Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, reported Sunday that National Security Adviser Tom Donilon briefed Israeli officials on possible U.S. attack plans if diplomacy and sanctions fail.
A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, denied the Haaretz report.
The news reports reflect the uncertainties in the region .
"There was a bit of a breather in the region when (nuclear) talks resumed," said Bruno Tertrais, senior researcher at the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris. "That is quickly fading."
Washington plans to keep at least 13,500 troops in Kuwait -- down slightly from the current 15,000 -- but with an expanded mission as a potential rapid-reaction force for the region.
The Pentagon also has scores of warplanes and other[..]ets across the Gulf, including air bases in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
America's uneasy Gulf allies add to arsenals
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Lil Wayne wearing a Baggy shirt and a Soulja Rag... WTF
