Saudi Arabia Wants 48 F-35s While Houthi Missiles Rain Down — and Trump Won't Send Troops
The US has approved a $24.3 billion fighter jet sale to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom faces ongoing attacks, but President Trump is staying out of the shooting war.
Saudi Arabia is under fire, and the United States is responding with fighter jets — but not troops. The State Department has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to the kingdom, the largest arms deal since the war with Iran began [244635]. The F-35 is the world's most advanced fighter jet, designed to be nearly invisible to enemy radar [244984].
Since the United States and Israel launched the war against Iran in February, Saudi Arabia has been repeatedly hit by drone and missile strikes from Tehran's forces, as well as from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels [244635]. Explosions have rocked the Saudi capital of Riyadh, though details about casualties and damage remain unclear [244565].
President Trump faced a direct request from Saudi Arabia for military help. On Sunday, he decided not to join joint strikes against the Houthis in Yemen — for now [246159]. But the president still needs Saudi cooperation for his campaign against Iran, making a full refusal difficult to maintain [246159].
The decision to stay out of the conflict could hit Americans at the gas pump. If the fighting disrupts oil supplies, prices in the United States could rise [249249].
The F-35 sale has raised concerns about Israel's military edge in the region. Israel, a key US ally, already flies the F-35. US law requires Israel to maintain a qualitative military advantage in the Middle East, and a Saudi deal could put that at risk [244984]. The US must also weigh human rights concerns and the risk of sensitive technology leaking [244984].
For now, no American troops are heading to the region. The White House is staying out of the shooting war, even as it arms its Gulf partner to the teeth.