US Lifts Ban on Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, Paving the Way for New Deals

Islamabad:The United States has decided to lift the ban on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, according to recent announcements from the US State Department. This move allows for the sale of air-to-ground weaponry to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in US-Saudi defense relations.

A US official confirmed to news agencies that the Biden administration has decided to resume arms transfers to Saudi Arabia on a case-by-case basis under the Conventional Arms Transfer Policy. This policy change follows the recent reduction in tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, facilitated by a UN-brokered agreement.

The official noted that while Saudi Arabia needs to manage its end of the deal, the US is prepared to proceed. Arms sales to Saudi Arabia are expected to commence next week, with potential notifications to be issued by Friday.

The decision to lift the arms sales ban is attributed to the relative calm observed since the March 2022 agreement between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Since the agreement, Saudi Arabia has not conducted any airstrikes on Yemen, nor have there been cross-border attacks by the Houthis on Saudi territory.

The US official stated that the Biden administration has informed Congress of this decision and is prepared to move forward with arms sales as early as next week. However, it is mandatory under US law to seek Congressional approval for any international arms deal before proceeding.

This policy shift represents a notable change in the US approach to arms sales in the Middle East, reflecting broader strategic and diplomatic considerations.