US approves $5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia amid Iran-linked attacks
Quick Look
- The United States approved a $5 billion sale of bombs, guidance kits and defense equipment to Saudi Arabia to strengthen its defenses against Iranian and Houthi attacks, citing improved interoperability with US forces and support for US foreign policy goals.
- The sale requires Congressional notification and approval.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran earlier in 2026, leading to repeated drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia by Iranian forces and Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthi rebels.
US move aims to bolster Saudi defenses amid escalating Iran-linked attacks
Last updated: September 05, 2026 | 07:48
Washington: The United States on Friday announced the approval of a $5 billion sale of bombs, guidance kits and other equipment to Saudi Arabia, which has been repeatedly attacked during the US-Israeli war against Iran.
"The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's airborne defense capability to counter current and future regional threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and improve interoperability with systems operated by US forces and other Gulf region partners," the US State Department said in a statement.
Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.
The sale will also "support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally," the department said.
Saudi Arabia has been targeted with drone and missile strikes by Iranian forces and Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthi rebels since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran earlier this year.
The State Department has notified Congress of the proposed sale of the bombs to Riyadh, which still needs to be approved by US lawmakers.
Get Updates on Topics You Choose
Daily UpdatesFinanceBusinessWeekendSportAsk Gulf NewsLuxury TravelEditor's Message
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Up Next
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Congress will approve the $5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- When will Congress vote on the proposed arms sale?
- What specific types of bombs and guidance kits are included in the $5 billion package?
- How will this sale affect the broader US-Israeli military campaign against Iran?
