U.S. approves $785 million bomb sale to UAE ally against Islamic State

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of $785 million (599 million pounds) in bombs to the United Arab Emirates for the U.S.-led campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

A statement said the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which facilitates foreign arms sales, told lawmakers on Tuesday that the sales had been approved. Lawmakers have 30 days to block the sale, although such action is rare since deals are carefully vetted before any formal notification.