US Approves $5bn Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia as Iran Tensions Simmer

The United States has cleared a possible $5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia as tensions in the Middle East remain elevated.

The proposed package includes bombs, guidance kits, and other military equipment designed to boost Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend its airspace against threats in the region.

The US State Department confirmed the approval on Friday, stating that the weapons would enhance Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities and its capacity to operate alongside American and other Gulf forces.

Washington also greenlit a separate deal for AGT-1500 engines valued at roughly $750 million, with Honeywell named as the lead contractor.

The State Department noted that both proposed sales align with US foreign policy and national security goals by reinforcing the security of Saudi Arabia, which holds status as a major non-NATO ally.

Saudi Arabia has come under drone and missile attacks from Iranian forces and Yemen’s Houthi rebels since the US and Israel launched military action against Iran earlier this year.

The $5 billion arms deal has now been formally sent to the US Congress for review.

In related developments, Washington also approved fresh military sales to Oman and Iraq as part of a wider push to bolster the defence capacity of its Gulf and Middle East partners.

Oman was cleared for a possible $188 million deal covering F-16 aircraft sustainment services, while Iraq secured approval for a potential $150 million purchase of Bell 412EPX helicopters.

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu Safe From Arrest In US But Not From Embarrassment – Lobbying Firm
• US Approves $5bn Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia as Iran Tensions Simmer
• The Zamfara Masterminds: Loyalty, Structure and the Unstoppable Engine of the 2027 APC Campaign | By Adeola Agoro
• From ₦20 to ₦1,000+: The 27-Year Journey of Petrol Prices in Nigeria
• Trump Appoints Atiku’s US Lobbyist To White House Commission