President Donald Trump said on Monday he plans to approve the sale of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
He spoke a day before hosting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House for a round of high-stakes diplomacy.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Washington would move forward with the sale, signalling a major shift in long-standing U.S. policy on advanced weapons.
Such a deal could reshape the military balance in the Middle East and test America’s commitment to preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge.
Saudi Arabia has requested up to 48 F-35 jets in a multibillion-dollar purchase that recently passed a key Pentagon review.
The kingdom has long sought access to the cutting-edge aircraft built by Lockheed Martin, viewing it as central to modernising its air force.
A senior White House official said earlier on Monday that Trump hoped to discuss the issue directly with the crown prince before making a final decision.
The expected talks highlight Washington’s evolving ties with Riyadh and the broader strategic recalculations unfolding across the region.
