US-Saudi Defense Deal: Approval for F-35 Fighter Jet Supply

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bassett has expressed support for selling F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and has described Riyadh as the most ‘important’ ally in the Middle East.

In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday (18 October), Bassett said that during the recent 12-day Iran-US conflict, the United States was able to rely on Saudi military support.

He added, “They have shown that they are the primary military power in the region, and during times of pressure, they have been 100% alongside the United States.”

This comment by the US Treasury Secretary comes at a time when Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is in Washington for an official visit.

Meanwhile, the United States and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement concerning a nuclear project and the sale of US F-35 fighter jets. The White House has confirmed this information.

The White House stated that both countries have signed a joint declaration on nuclear energy, which will provide a legal foundation for long-term multi-billion-dollar nuclear cooperation. This agreement will strictly monitor the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Additionally, President Donald Trump has approved a major defence deal, which includes supplying Saudi Arabia with advanced US F-35 fighter jets in the future.

During his Washington visit, Mohammed bin Salman has pledged a $1 trillion investment and expressed that Saudi Arabia has trust in America’s future.

Source: Al Arabiya

Khaborwala/SS