Biden Administration Lifts Ban on Offensive Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia Amid Middle East Turmoil

The Biden administration is lifting a ban on U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, ending a three-year policy aimed at pressuring Saudi Arabia over its campaign in Yemen. This decision follows a truce in Yemen and heightened regional tensions after Hamas' attack on Israel. Congress has been briefed on the matter.

The Biden administration has decided to lift a ban on U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday. This move reverses a three-year policy intended to pressure the kingdom to wind down the Yemen war.

A congressional aide confirmed that the administration briefed Congress this week. Sales could resume as early as next week, though deliberations on timing are still ongoing.

"The Saudis have met their end of the deal, and we are prepared to meet ours," said a senior Biden administration official. Major international weapons deals must be reviewed by Congress before being finalized. In recent years, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have questioned the provision of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, citing civilian casualties in Yemen and various human rights concerns.

Opposition has softened following Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel and changes in the conduct of the Yemen campaign. Regional threat levels have been elevated, with Iran and Hezbollah vowing retaliation against Israel. The Biden administration is negotiating a defense pact and civil nuclear cooperation with Riyadh as part of a broader deal to normalize Saudi-Israel relations.

Yemen's war, a proxy conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia, has killed hundreds of thousands and left 80% of Yemen's population dependent on aid. The U.S. continues airstrikes to degrade Houthi capabilities, designating them as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and imposing sanctions on their networks.