WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that the United States will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This announcement comes just before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to visit Washington for the first time in over seven years.

During a press conference, Trump stated, "I will say that we will be doing that. We'll be selling F-35s." The crown prince is expected to discuss various topics during his visit, including U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia and the acquisition of the advanced fighter jets.

The Trump administration has expressed concerns about the sale, particularly regarding Israel's military advantage in the region. Officials worry that selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia could compromise Israel's qualitative military edge, especially as Trump seeks Israeli support for his Gaza peace plan.

Another significant concern is the potential for F-35 technology to be accessed by China, which has established close ties with both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Recent joint naval exercises between Saudi Arabia and China have heightened these worries.

Bradley Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that Congress may demand clarity on Saudi assurances regarding its relationship with China. He also mentioned that the administration will likely face scrutiny over how it plans to maintain Israel's military superiority.

Trump's announcement aligns with his broader strategy to encourage normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. He has emphasized the importance of extending the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations, as a means to achieve long-term stability in the Middle East.

"I hope that Saudi Arabia will be going into the Abraham Accords very shortly," Trump said while traveling to Florida. However, internal assessments suggest that the Saudis are unlikely to join the accords without a clear path to a Palestinian state, a condition that Israel opposes.

Despite the challenges, there is cautious optimism among some officials that an agreement could be reached by the end of Trump's second term.

The administration previously notified Congress in November 2020 of plans to sell 50 F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates as part of a $23 billion arms deal aimed at countering threats from Iran. However, President Joe Biden placed a hold on that sale shortly after taking office.

Trump's announcement may also attract criticism from human rights advocates, especially given the crown prince's controversial past, including his alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

As the crown prince prepares for his visit, Trump has reiterated his support for Saudi Arabia, stating, "They have been a great ally."

This upcoming visit marks a significant moment in U.S.-Saudi relations, as both nations navigate complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.