Biden Administration Lifts Ban on Saudi Offensive Weapon Sales

The Biden administration lifted a three-year-old ban on U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, as reported by the State Department. This decision overturns the policy aimed at pressuring Saudi Arabia regarding the Yemen war. Congress has been briefed, and sales could begin as early as next week.

The Biden administration has decided to lift a ban on U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant policy reversal from the three-year-old ban intended to pressure the kingdom to wind down the Yemen war, the State Department announced on Friday. A senior official confirmed that the State Department is lifting its suspension on certain transfers of air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia.

First reported by Reuters, the decision has been communicated to Congress, where a congressional aide indicated that sales could resume as early as next week. The U.S. government moved forward with sale notifications on Friday afternoon, according to a person briefed on the matter.

A senior Biden administration official stated, "The Saudis have met their end of the deal, and we are prepared to meet ours," while noting that major international weapons deals under U.S. law require Congressional review before finalization. Recent Middle East turmoil, particularly following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, has softened opposition to arming Saudi Arabia, given the changes in the Yemen conflict and Saudi initiatives to mitigate civilian harm.

(With inputs from agencies.)