WASHINGTON – In a move certain to fuel debate, the Trump management has authorized the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and reached a deal on civilian nuclear power cooperation, despite ongoing congressional concerns and reported objections from key ally Israel. The announcements followed a White House meeting between President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the first such visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi – a case that continues to draw international scrutiny. the agreements signal a deepening of strategic ties with the Gulf nation amid a broader push to realign Middle Eastern alliances.
U.S. President Donald Trump has approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, despite reported concerns from Israel, the White House announced. The move comes as the two countries also reached an agreement on civilian nuclear power, according to the White House statement released yesterday.
The decision follows a meeting at the White House between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who effectively governs the Gulf nation. This marked the first visit by the Crown Prince since the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
“It is an honor to be your friend”
The sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia could potentially incentivize the Gulf state to move toward normalizing relations with Israel, a development the Trump administration has been actively pursuing. Currently, Israel is the only country in the Middle East possessing the advanced American-made fighter jets, and the prospect of Saudi Arabia acquiring them has been viewed as a possible catalyst for diplomatic progress, despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Trump greeted Crown Prince bin Salman with full military honors, a gesture that drew criticism given the circumstances surrounding Khashoggi’s death. During their meeting in the Oval Office, Trump offered effusive praise for the Saudi leader.
“I am very proud of what he has done. What he’s done is incredible, in terms of human rights and everything else,” Trump said. “It’s an honor to be your friend, and it’s an honor to have you here.”
The Crown Prince’s visit sparked condemnation from journalists and human rights advocates, largely focused on the 2018 killing of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post, was dismembered, and his remains have never been found. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that the Crown Prince was likely involved in the assassination.
The agreement on civilian nuclear power and the arms sale signal a continued strengthening of ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, a key strategic partner in the region. The development underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East and the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape alliances.
