US Considers F-35 Fighter Jet Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid High-Level Diplomatic Talks
The United States is evaluating a potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, signaling a deepening of its strategic partnership with the Gulf monarchy. This development comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as MBS, visits the White House for the first time since the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The high-profile meeting with President Donald Trump is regarded as a significant restoration of diplomatic ties between the two nations following years of tension.
The Khashoggi incident had previously strained relations, with Western intelligence agencies implicating Saudi leadership in the journalist's death at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Despite this backdrop, the recent diplomatic engagement marks a renewal of US-Saudi cooperation, with the American administration expressing intent to honor and recognize the Saudi crown prince during his visit.
Central to the discussions are major defense agreements, including the proposed transfer of F-35 fighter aircraft. Until now, Israel has been the sole Middle Eastern recipient of these advanced jets, underscoring the potential regional impact of extending this technology to Saudi Arabia. The arms deal is part of a broader security dialogue, with previous bilateral agreements reportedly valued at $142 billion, encompassing both military and civil sectors.
The talks are expected to address not only military cooperation but also the possibility of collaboration in civilian nuclear energy. Furthermore, the US administration is encouraging Saudi Arabia to move towards normalizing relations with Israel, in line with the Abraham Accords initiative. The normalization process, once pursued under previous US leadership, was stalled following renewed regional conflict, particularly after the October 2023 attacks on Israel. Saudi Arabia's position has evolved, now linking normalization with progress toward a pathway for Palestinian statehood, a condition met with resistance by the current Israeli government.
Recent international efforts, including a United Nations Security Council resolution backed by the US, have called for reforms within the Palestinian Authority and the reconstruction of Gaza as prerequisites for renewed peace talks and potential statehood. Israel, however, maintains its opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, despite ongoing advocacy from Western allies for a two-state solution as the most viable route to lasting peace in the region.
From a strategic perspective, Saudi Arabia's regional influence is expanding. The crown prince has facilitated significant diplomatic engagements, including an initial meeting between US and Syrian transitional leaders. Saudi Arabia is also seen as a pivotal actor in efforts to secure a long-term resolution for the Gaza Strip, with the US pressing for its participation in broader regional peace frameworks.
In addition to military and diplomatic considerations, discussions are believed to include requests for US security assurances to Saudi Arabia, mirroring guarantees previously extended to other Gulf allies. These assurances are seen as critical to the kingdom's regional policy and its willingness to participate in normalization efforts with Israel.
While security and diplomatic priorities are at the forefront, leading human rights organizations have raised concerns regarding Saudi Arabia's domestic policies, particularly the high number of executions and ongoing restrictions on freedom of expression. Advocates have urged the US administration to address these issues during the diplomatic talks, citing reports of unfair trials and crackdowns on dissent within the kingdom. Despite these appeals, human rights topics are not expected to dominate the official agenda.
The outcome of the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the US and Saudi Arabia, including the possible sale of F-35 jets and broader regional agreements, is anticipated to have significant implications for Middle Eastern security dynamics, US foreign policy, and the future trajectory of Israeli-Arab relations.