United States President Donald Trump says he will approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. He spoke about the plan on Monday at the White House. His statement came one day before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit. Trump said the sale reflects strong ties between Washington and Riyadh.
Trump told reporters that Saudi Arabia wants to buy the jets and that he plans to agree. He praised the kingdom as a reliable ally. The announcement gives Riyadh a major gain at a time when Trump is urging the kingdom to formalise relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
Saudi leaders have said many times that they support the Arab Peace Initiative from 2002. The proposal calls for a recognised Palestinian state before any formal links with Israel.
The plan to sell F-35 jets raises new debate about the rule that protects Israel’s military edge in the region. The rule is written into US law. Some Israeli officials have said the sale could threaten that advantage. Israel has received strong US backing for decades to keep its air power ahead of other regional forces.
The F-35, built by Lockheed Martin, is known as one of the most advanced jets in service. It uses technology that reduces detection by enemy defence systems. Israel relies on the jet and treats it as a key part of its air force strength.
Yair Golan, an opposition politician and former deputy chief of the Israeli army, said the deal risks starting an arms race in the region. He said the move weakens an advantage Israel has held for many years. He also criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for poor handling of national security issues.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israel must keep strong air power. He said the country welcomes peaceful ties but must protect its safety above everything else.
The timing of Trump’s comments shows the effort to build closer links with Saudi Arabia as part of a broader plan for the Middle East. The region remains tense as a fragile ceasefire in Gaza faces regular Israeli violations.
The United States has long tried to balance its weapons sales to Arab states with steps that protect Israel’s military lead. Past administrations reduced features in jets or added upgrades for Israel to keep that balance.
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince arrives in Washington as these issues gain new attention. On Monday, Saudi media reported that he received a handwritten letter from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ahead of the trip, though the contents were not shared.
If the F-35 sale moves ahead, Saudi Arabia will become the first Arab country to join the F-35 programme. Trump approved a similar deal with the United Arab Emirates in 2020 after the UAE recognised Israel. The plan stalled when Joe Biden took office in 2021. US lawmakers raised questions about technology security in the region at that time.
Congress can block a weapons sale approved by the president and the secretary of state. The process includes review and debate on national security risks and regional stability. Trump F-35 sale, Saudi Arabia jets deal, US Israel military edge, Mohammed bin Salman visit, Middle East arms transfer,
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