In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump confirmed plans on Monday to approve the sale of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This announcement comes just a day before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrives in Washington for a high-profile diplomatic visit. The proposed deal, involving as many as 48 jets, could alter the military balance in the Middle East.

The transaction, reportedly clearing a major Pentagon hurdle earlier this month, aligns with Saudi Arabia's long-standing interest in acquiring Lockheed Martin's state-of-the-art aircraft. As the kingdom seeks to modernize its air force, the potential multibillion-dollar sale underscores the Trump administration's openness to deepening defense ties with Riyadh.

Despite these advancements, the deal faces c

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