US considers sale of advanced weapons to Qatar

The U.S. could sell $300 million worth of advanced weapons to Qatar, as reported by Reuters citing a Pentagon agency, as U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with the ruling emir of Qatar.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency told Congress it approved the possible sale of 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems II Guidance Sections including related equipment and services. The new equipment will enable Qatar to upgrade its air-to-ground rockets into precision-guided rockets. The main contractor is a New Hampshire-based subsidiary of BAE Systems.

Qatar has been isolated from America’s Persian Gulf allies, who have accused the tiny, oil-rich nation of spreading extremism and allowing funds to flow to terror groups. Trump has previously echoed these critiques.

Qatar has denied any wrongdoing and has taken steps to address the U.S. concerns, including allowing Treasury Department officials into its central bank to improve accountability for controls to prevent terror funding.

Still, Qatar’s neighbors are isolating the country, diplomatically and financially.

Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will join Trump for a midday meeting and working lunch Tuesday that the White House said will focus on strengthening ties. In a phone call last week, Trump credited him with working to counter terror financing and extremism.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.