President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States would sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a day before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the White House.
For many years, Riyadh has sought to buy F-35 fighters, which until now only owned Israel in the Middle East.
You may also be interested in: UN Security Council supports Trump’s plan for Gaza
“We will do it. “We will sell F-35”Trump told reporters when asked if Washington would sell fighter jets to Riyadh at Tuesday’s meeting. “They have been a great ally,” Trump added.
Israeli officials have expressed their worry for the sale of the planes to Saudi Arabia, despite the push for the kingdom normalize relations with Israel.
So far, the United States has only approved sales of F-35 fighters to its closest allies, including some European NATO allies and Israel.
Additionally, a source familiar with the negotiations said Trump and the Saudi crown prince would sign a framework agreement for civil nuclear cooperation.
Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s leading oil producers, wants to diversify its energy matrix and is therefore seeking advanced American technology available through the so-called “agreement 123”.
But this mechanism is subject to airtight anti-proliferation rulesand Congress is expected to closely review any deal.
Saudi Arabia says it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.