The United States announced on Monday the resumption of offensive arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
Close Strategic Partner
This marks a significant shift in policy after a years-long suspension due to humanitarian concerns in Yemen. The decision signals a warming in U.S.-Saudi relations, which had been strained over human rights issues, according to 20 minutes.
The State Department confirmed that the arms sales would proceed following standard congressional procedures. Vedant Patel, a spokesperson for the department, emphasized the strategic importance of the U.S.-Saudi partnership, stating:
"Saudi Arabia has remained a close strategic partner for the United States, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership."
More Cautious Approach
President Joe Biden, who took office in 2021, initially pledged a more cautious approach to U.S.-Saudi relations, focusing on human rights.
He limited arms sales to defensive weapons following Saudi airstrikes in Yemen that reportedly resulted in thousands of civilian deaths. Saudi Arabia had been involved in Yemen's conflict since 2015, fighting against Houthi rebels backed by Iran.
However, the geopolitical landscape has evolved since Biden's initial decision. In April 2022, the United Nations brokered a truce in Yemen, which, despite its official expiration, has largely held.
According to Patel, "There have been no Saudi bombings in Yemen, and cross-border attacks from Yemen into Saudi Arabia have largely ceased." Given Saudi Arabia's adherence to the truce, the U.S. is now prepared to fulfill its commitments under the revised arms agreement.
