Trump signals potential F-35 deal with Saudi Arabia

US President Donald Trump stated on November 14 that he is considering a potential agreement to supply Saudi Arabia with F-35 stealth fighter jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

“They wanna buy a lot of jets,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “I’m looking at that. They’ve asked me to look at it. They want to buy a lot of ‘35’ — but they actually want to buy even more fighter jets.”

The possible sale comes ahead of Trump’s plans to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House next week, where the two leaders are expected to sign a series of economic and defence agreements.

Commenting on the forthcoming talks, Trump said the visit is “more than a meeting, we’re honouring” Saudi Arabia. He also reiterated his hope that Riyadh would normalise relations with Israel, noting that the kingdom has so far resisted such a step without an agreed roadmap toward Palestinian statehood.

In addition, Trump revealed that he intends to discuss with the Saudi Crown Prince the possibility of Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, signalling a potential major development in Middle East diplomacy. He emphasised that the decisive conversation with the Saudi leader is scheduled for next week.

“I intend to discuss very soon with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia the issue of his country joining the Abraham Accords,” Trump stated.

By Tamilla Hasanova