The United Arab Emirates (UAE) suspended talks on a $23 billion deal to buy F-35 planes, armed drones and other equipment in a dispute between Washington and US ally in the Persian Gulf. The Emirati Embassy said that “The US remains the UAE’s preference for advanced defence needs and talks for the F-35 planes may re-open in the future,” the embassy said in a statement.

President Joe Biden’s government put the deal on hold after he joined office due to criticism of the UAE and Saudi Arabia over their years-long war in Yemen, which has sparked one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and continues till today. The deal also includes 18 advanced drone systems and a package of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US is prepared to move forward with the sales if the Emiratis decide.