US President Donald Trump said the US intends to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a statement issued ahead of his meeting at the White House on Tuesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Earlier, a senior White House official told Reuters that Trump was inclined to support the sale of the American-made F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia. Trump and the crown prince are expected to review the prospective deal as well as steps toward normalization with Israel.
Speaking to reporters several days ago, Trump said he planned to discuss political and security cooperation with the crown prince, including a possible Saudi move to join the Abraham Accords. He noted at the time that the kingdom was interested in acquiring a large number of advanced fighter aircraft.
Trump stressed that Saudi Arabia had formally asked to examine the purchase of F-35s and that the request was now under his consideration. He said the US produces the best aircraft in the world and added that past American actions in the Middle East had demonstrated that superiority. Since the strike on Iran's nuclear capabilities, he said, everyone now wants to negotiate with Washington.
He also referenced the Abraham Accords, saying they would be part of the discussions with Riyadh. He expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would join the initiative soon and claimed that interest in the accords had surged since the US had, in his words, taken Iran out of the game.
