Saudi Push for F-35 Jets Clears Key Pentagon Hurdle

Published 4 hours ago

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Above: Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II during a flight demonstration at the Paris Air Show 2025. Image copyright: Nicolas Economou/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

The F-35 deal with Saudi Arabia represents a historic shift that will finally end decades of Israeli aerial supremacy in the Middle East. This multibillion-dollar agreement for 48 advanced stealth fighters breaks from traditional U.S. arms policy restraint and signals America's commitment to building a new regional alliance. The deal empowers Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 modernization plans while providing the kingdom with cutting-edge military capabilities to deter regional threats.

Amwaj.media India Al Mayadeen English

Anti-Trump narrative

It would be a strategic blunder undermining America's most reliable Middle East ally for the Trump administration to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia without securing Saudi-Israeli normalization. This deal erodes Israel's qualitative military edge while giving Saudi Arabia everything it wants without requiring any concessions on Palestinian issues or regional cooperation. Trump risks creating a dangerous precedent that could lead to nuclear proliferation and further destabilize the region.

Drsteventerner Jerusalem Post Middle East Eye