The Biden administration has decided to lift the ban on U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, reversing a policy that has been in place for three years, Reuters reported on Friday.
The move comes as part of a strategy shift to address regional security concerns and follows recent developments in the Middle East, added the same source.
The administration briefed Congress this week about the decision to lift the ban. The congressional aide has confirmed that sales could resume soon, although deliberations on the exact timing are still ongoing.
A senior Biden administration official stated, “The Saudis have met their end of the deal, and we are prepared to meet ours, returning these cases to regular order through appropriate congressional notification and consultation.”
Under U.S. law, major international weapons deals must be reviewed by Congress before they are finalized. In recent years, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about providing offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, citing the impact on civilians in Yemen and various human rights issues.
Opposition to the arms sales has softened amid recent turmoil in the Middle East, particularly following Hama’s assault on Israel on October 7.
The Biden administration is also negotiating a defense pact and an agreement for civil nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
This is part of a broader diplomatic effort that includes the potential normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, though that remains a challenging goal.
Since March 2022, when a U.N-led truce between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis was established, there have been no Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, and cross-border attacks have largely ceased.
This change in the conduct of the campaign in Yemen has contributed to the administration’s decision to revisit the weapons ban.
In 2021, President Biden adopted a tougher stance on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, citing the kingdom’s military actions against Houthi in Yemen and the resulting civilian casualties.
The lifting of the ban marks a significant policy reversal as the U.S. seeks to address evolving security challenges in the region.
This development reflects a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy, taking into account the complex dynamics of the Middle East and the ongoing negotiations with Saudi Arabia.