US gives green light for arms sale to Saudi Arabia before Trump's visit
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Ahead of Trump's visit to Riyadh, the US approved a multibillion-dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties and pressure Iran, according to Bloomberg.
The arms deal is valued at approximately $3.5 billion. The sale was approved as Washington seeks to strengthen ties with a key partner and increase pressure on Iran.
Specifically, the US State Department informed Congress about the potential sale of 1,000 advanced medium-range AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles. 50 guidance sections, along with logistical and program support, were additionally included. The main contractor is RTX Corp, based in Arizona.
In approving the sale, the US referred to Saudi Arabia as "a partner country that contributes to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region."
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia in mid-May. His trip will also include stops in the UAE and Qatar. Reuters previously reported that the White House intends to announce a weapons package for Riyadh worth over $100 billion.
Trump will also use the visit to secure planned investments in the US after Riyadh promised to allocate $1 trillion.
Bloomberg also noted that last year, the Biden administration initially imposed restrictions on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia. These restrictions were put in place to pressure Riyadh into ending its war against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Trump's visit to Riyadh and beyond
Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE has been officially confirmed by the White House.
"I can confirm the dates of Trump's trip to the Middle East. He will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE from May 13 to 16," said White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt.
Saudi Arabia was supposed to be the first country Trump would visit after his inauguration. However, the situation changed when Pope Francis passed away, and Trump's first visit was to attend his funeral at the Vatican.
