US to lift ban on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia

The Biden administration has announced it will lift a ban on U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, reversing a policy aimed at pressuring the kingdom to end its involvement in the Yemen conflict.

The State Department confirmed that restrictions on air-to-ground munitions transfers would be lifted, with new transfers considered on a case-by-case basis in line with the Conventional Arms Transfer Policy, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Congress was briefed on this decision earlier this week, with sales potentially resuming as early as next week. The administration indicated that the Saudis have fulfilled their commitments, prompting the U.S. to meet its own obligations.

Major international weapons deals must undergo Congressional review before finalization. While there has been bipartisan concern about the impact of offensive weapon sales to Saudi Arabia, including civilian casualties in Yemen and human rights issues, this opposition has diminished due to recent Middle East developments.

Since March 2022, there have been no Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, and cross-border attacks have largely ceased. The U.S. has noted Saudi efforts to improve civilian harm mitigation, aided by U.S. trainers.

The Biden administration's 2021 stance on Saudi arms sales was driven by the heavy civilian toll of the Yemen conflict. However, relations between Washington and Riyadh have improved, particularly following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are also negotiating a defence pact and a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, which could be part of a broader plan involving the normalization of ties with Israel.

The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran and Hezbollah pledging retaliation against Israel and the Houthis, a strong supporter of Hamas, targeting commercial ships linked to Israel.