Biden Administration to Lift Offensive Weapon Sales Ban to Saudi Arabia

The Biden administration is reversing a three-year-old policy by lifting a ban on U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia. The decision aims to address regional dynamics, including Yemen's war and Middle East tensions. The U.S. Congress has been briefed and sales could resume as early as next week.

The Biden administration has taken a significant step by deciding to lift a ban on U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, insiders revealed to Reuters on Friday. This move overturns a three-year-old policy aimed at pressuring Riyadh to de-escalate its involvement in the Yemen conflict. Congress has been updated on this decision, with possible sales resuming as early as next week.

A senior official from the Biden administration confirmed the decision, citing that Saudi Arabia has fulfilled its commitments under a previous deal. Major international weapons transactions involving the U.S. are subject to Congressional review before becoming final. Bipartisan concerns have been raised over providing offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, mainly due to the humanitarian impact in Yemen and broader human rights issues.

However, recent regional developments – including Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel and shifts in the Yemen campaign – have softened opposition. The Middle East's threat level has heightened since late last month, with Iran and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon promising retaliation against Israel after Hamas' political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran.