Washington (Somalia Today) — President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that his administration intends to finalize a controversial F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, brushing aside internal concerns regarding potential technology leaks to China.
The announcement comes immediately before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman begins his first official visit to Washington in more than seven years.
“I will say that we will be doing that,” Trump stated when questioned about the transfer of the advanced stealth fighters. “We’ll be selling F-35s.”
The proposed transfer of the fifth-generation aircraft represents a significant shift in U.S. policy. It serves as the centerpiece of several major agreements expected during the Crown Prince’s visit.
Alongside the military hardware, Riyadh is expected to announce a multibillion-dollar investment in American artificial intelligence infrastructure. Officials also indicate the two nations will outline new cooperation parameters for the civil nuclear energy sector.
Concerns and rivalries
However, the transaction carries geopolitical risks. The Republican administration faces pressure to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region. This imperative is particularly acute as Trump relies on Israeli cooperation for the success of his post-conflict plans in Gaza.
Simultaneously, Washington security officials remain wary of Riyadh’s deepening ties with Beijing. A primary concern, which previously derailed a similar sale to the United Arab Emirates, involves the risk of sensitive F-35 technology being accessed by Chinese operatives.
“Congress could press the administration to detail what assurances Riyadh has given the White House about its relationship with China,” noted Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
China surpassed the United States as Saudi Arabia’s top trade partner last year. Beijing also mediated the 2023 diplomatic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Additionally, the two nations recently conducted joint naval exercises, highlighting the complex balancing act Riyadh maintains between global powers.
The push for normalization
Trump views these defense agreements as a catalyst for expanding the Abraham Accords. He aims to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, framing the move as crucial for long-term stability in the Middle East.
“I hope that Saudi Arabia will be going into the Abraham Accords very shortly,” Trump told reporters on Friday.
Despite the President’s optimism, significant diplomatic hurdles remain. Saudi officials have consistently stated that a guaranteed path to a Palestinian state is a prerequisite for normalization. This condition faces vehement opposition from the current Israeli government.
Meanwhile, the geopolitical landscape continues to shift. On Monday, the U.N. Security Council approved a U.S. plan for Gaza.
The resolution authorizes an international stabilization force and envisions a future pathway to Palestinian independence.
While Saudi Arabia is unlikely to sign the accords immediately, officials express cautious optimism that a deal could be finalized before the end of Trump’s term.
A reset in relations
The prospective F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia marks a distinct departure from the previous administration’s stance. President Joe Biden placed a hold on similar arms transfers shortly after taking office in 2021.
Human rights advocates are likely to scrutinize Trump’s embrace of the Crown Prince. The visit is Prince Mohammed’s first to the U.S. capital since 2018.
That previous tour was followed months later by the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, an operation U.S. intelligence agencies assessed was likely directed by the Crown Prince. Prince Mohammed has denied personal involvement.
Seven years later, Trump appears eager to turn the page. He views the 40-year-old leader as an indispensable partner in shaping the region’s future.
“They have been a great ally,” Trump affirmed.
