Trump Confirms F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Ahead of Crown Prince's Visit

President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, coinciding with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated, "We will do it. We will sell the F-35s. They have been a great ally."

The sale, involving up to 48 F-35 jets, marks a significant policy shift, as Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab nation to operate the advanced stealth fighters. This development raises concerns about maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge in the region, a longstanding U.S. commitment.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the White House includes discussions on defense and economic cooperation. The agenda features the formalization of several agreements, including Saudi investments in American artificial intelligence infrastructure and collaboration on civil nuclear energy.

The visit also addresses potential normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. While Trump has expressed optimism about Saudi participation in the Abraham Accords, Saudi officials have emphasized the need for a clear pathway to Palestinian statehood before committing to normalization.

The F-35 deal is expected to undergo congressional scrutiny, particularly concerning the implications for regional security dynamics and the safeguarding of sensitive U.S. military technology.