President Donald Trump has authorized the United States to move ahead with selling F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, reopening a deal that had been stalled for years and signaling a major shift in U.S. arms policy in the Middle East. The decision was delivered from the Oval Office a day before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Washington for meetings centered on defense, technology access, and regional coordination.

The Saudis have been seeking F-35s since the end of Trump’s first term, and officials say the current request involves up to 48 aircraft. The proposal has already cleared a key review inside the Pentagon, meaning the administration is prepared to initiate the formal foreign military sales process pending congressional notification.

Administration decision

Trump confirmed the move in brief comments to reporters, stating that the United States will sell the aircraft and describing Saudi Arabia as a consistent security partner. He did not outline terms, conditions, or delivery schedules, but the announcement marked the first time the administration publicly committed to proceeding.

The prior administration paused the sale in 2021 over concerns about the Yemen conflict and how advanced U.S. technology might be used. Those restrictions effectively froze the deal. The new posture indicates that longstanding U.S.–Saudi defense ties, combined with the kingdom’s continued interest in acquiring the aircraft, outweighed earlier reservations.

The White House did not say whether the sale includes specific safeguards or limitations, though U.S. officials have reviewed Saudi Arabia’s existing defense posture and its history of operating other American platforms. The kingdom already fields advanced F-15 versions and hosts U.S. forces at various points in the region, giving the two militaries a lengthy record of cooperation.

Regional and strategic impact

An F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia is significant because Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern operator of the aircraft. U.S. law requires Washington to ensure Israel maintains its “qualitative military edge,” and any shift involving advanced systems is scrutinized at multiple levels of government.

Israeli officials have expressed a range of views. Some argue that the sale should be tied to normalization steps under the Abraham Accords, while others say their primary concern is how the aircraft fits into broader U.S.-led security cooperation. The administration has not indicated that normalization is a prerequisite.

Saudi Arabia’s acquisition of the jet would alter the region’s military balance. The F-35’s stealth and sensor capabilities exceed anything currently in the Gulf, and its introduction would influence planning across several regional militaries. At the same time, U.S. analysts note that the aircraft’s export controls and integrated systems give Washington considerable oversight.

Technology security remains a focal point. Saudi Arabia’s expanding ties with China—including joint defense exercises—have previously complicated U.S. decisions involving sensitive equipment. The administration did not provide details on what protective measures will accompany the F-35 transfer.

Diplomatic context

The decision coincides with the crown prince’s first trip to Washington in seven years and follows a period of strained relations linked to the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi. The current visit includes bilateral talks, a formal dinner, and a joint investment conference.

For Saudi Arabia, the F-35 request is part of a broader modernization program aimed at overhauling its defense structure and reducing reliance on older systems. For Washington, the sale fits into a wider strategy of reinforcing partnerships with key regional players while navigating competing diplomatic priorities.

The administration is also pressing for renewed momentum on the Abraham Accords. Trump has repeatedly said he hopes Saudi Arabia will eventually join the framework. Riyadh has maintained that normalization requires clear movement on the Palestinian issue, and there is no indication that the F-35 sale is directly linked to those negotiations.

Next steps

The sale now moves toward the formal notification process required under U.S. law. Congress will have the opportunity to review and potentially challenge the transfer. Previous arms packages to Saudi Arabia have faced resistance on Capitol Hill, especially regarding regional conflicts, human rights concerns, and Israel’s security calculations.

If approved, the transfer will be one of the most consequential U.S. defense sales in years, placing Saudi Arabia among a small group of nations authorized to operate the aircraft. It would also reinforce U.S. influence over the kingdom’s long-term military modernization and signal Washington’s intention to remain a central security provider in the Gulf.

The structure of the final agreement, including safeguards, timelines, and technical conditions, will determine how the deal shapes regional security and U.S. policy in the years ahead.