In a rare spat between Washington and a key US ally in the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has halted discussions on a billion-dollar contract to buy US-made F-35 fighters, armed drones, and other equipment.

According to Al-Mayadeen, the decision was made in response to onerous US limitations imposed to shield weaponry from purported Chinese espionage activities.

According to the pan-Arab channel, former British ambassador to Syria Peter Ford stated that Abu Dhabi's refusal to finish the purchase agreement was due to requests from Washington to avoid any reduction in Israel's military advantage.

According to Mr. Ford, the UAE is hesitant to pay a premium price for F-15 fighter jets since contemporary combat has shifted to drones.