US weapons sales to NATO allies stalled by government shutdown: Report
Iran Press TV
Sunday, 09 November 2025 7:03 PM
Weapons sales to Washington's allies in NATO have been halted due to the US government's shutdown.
Axios reported on Sunday, citing sources in the defense industry, that the prolonged shutdown has led to a stoppage of American weapons exports exceeding $5 billion.
A senior State Department official stated that the shutdown is negatively impacting "both our allies and partners and American industry."
The official elaborated that the shutdown has caused delays in supplying weapons, including AMRAAM missiles, Aegis combat systems, and HIMARS, to Denmark, Croatia, and Poland.
While the report did not specify that the American weapons intended for war and defense would eventually be sent to Ukraine, it did mention that "arms sales to NATO allies often support aid to Ukraine."
According to the report, the pending deals encompass both direct US government arms sales and the licensing of private US defense companies for exports.
Axios noted that the Arms Export Control Act mandates that Congress be informed about US arms sales. However, State Department employees responsible for briefing congressional committee staff on these sales are currently on leave due to the shutdown.
In the meantime, US Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced legislation last week aimed at ensuring the government shutdown does not adversely affect US citizens.
Republicans have pointed fingers at Democrats for the delays in US weapons sales to NATO allies.
Bureau spokesman Tommy Pigott stated, "Democrats are blocking critical weapons sales, particularly to our NATO allies, which is damaging the US industrial base and jeopardizing our security and the security of our partners."
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