GlobalWide News
The United States is anticipated to lift its ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, signaling improving relations between the two countries. The ban was initially imposed by President Joe Biden shortly after he took office, as a response to Saudi Arabia’s conduct in the Yemen war and concerns about civilian casualties caused by American-made weapons.
The decision to lift the ban follows a UN-brokered truce in Yemen that has largely held since 2022, as Saudi Arabia seeks to disengage from the conflict. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen US-Saudi relations, which have improved significantly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlighted the need for cooperation on energy and Middle Eastern policies.
The potential lifting of the ban is not directly tied to ongoing talks about a US-brokered compact that would see Saudi Arabia normalize ties with Israel, contingent on Israel taking steps towards establishing a Palestinian state. However, it is part of a series of bilateral deals being finalized, including a defense pact and cooperation on Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Yemen civil war began in 2015 to combat Iranian-backed Houthis. Despite widespread criticism for its actions in the conflict, Saudi Arabia has been engaging in peace talks with the Houthis and focusing on domestic development and regional de-escalation.
The recent regional hostilities triggered by the Israel-Hamas war have reinforced the US administration’s belief in the necessity of Saudi Arabia as a key regional partner. Lifting the ban on offensive weapons is viewed as a crucial step in rebuilding the US-Saudi relationship, particularly in light of recent Houthi attacks on Israel and shipping disruptions in the Red Sea.
