US President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed that the United States will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, saying the aircraft will be "pretty similar" to those supplied to Israel. Riyadh has formally requested up to 48 jets.

Trump made the remarks in the Oval Office as he sat beside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The US President was asked how the administration planned to uphold Israel’s advantage while approving Riyadh’s request for the same fifth-generation aircraft.

Trump replied that both countries remain close US partners. He then turned to the crown prince and said Israel would have preferred that Saudi Arabia receive "planes of reduced caliber," before adding, "I don’t think that makes you too happy".

"As far as I’m concerned, I think they are both at a level

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