US President Donald Trump says he’s ready to green-light the sale of America’s most advanced warplane — the F-35 — to Saudi Arabia.
His announcement comes just a day before hosting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, adding an unmistakable layer of diplomatic theatre.
“I will say that we will be doing that,” Trump told reporters, confirming the long-rumoured deal.
If approved, it would be a dramatic shift in US policy and could reshape the Middle East’s military balance.
Why? Because Washington has always guarded Israel’s “qualitative military edge,” ensuring it gets the region’s most advanced weapons first.
Saudi Jet Push
Saudi Arabia has asked for up to 48 F-35s, a multibillion-dollar package that recently cleared a major Pentagon review.
Riyadh has been chasing the stealth jet for years as it tries to modernise its air force and counter Iranian threats.
The kingdom already flies a mix of F-15s, Tornados and Typhoons — but the F-35 is in a league of its own.
A White House official said Trump wanted to discuss the jets with the crown prince before final approval.
Insiders say the groundwork has been months in the making.
Still, there’s a political hurdle: Congress.
Lawmakers uneasy about Saudi ties — especially after the Khashoggi killing — could push back.
If the deal goes through, one question remains: Will it strengthen the region’s stability, or simply raise the stakes?
