The State Department’s approval of the proposed $24.3 billion sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia represents a major victory for the kingdom, as Riyadh seeks US support amid increased attacks from Iran-backed groups.
The sale must still undergo congressional review, where it will likely face opposition.
The announcement comes nearly two months after Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman traveled to Washington to lobby senior Trump administration officials on the sale, with Riyadh hoping to advance the deal ahead of the midterms.
Earlier this month, the administration announced a separate conventional arms sale to Saudi Arabia.
On Thursday, Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., introduced a joint resolution of disapproval targeting that proposed sale. A senator could move to force a vote on the measure after 10 days, a Markey spokesperson said, though the Senate is expected to recess soon.