The White House announced on Saturday that US President Donald Trump “has just completed largest single arms deal in US history, negotiating a package totaling more than $109.7 billion.”
The deal will boost Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities, bolstering equipment and services in the face of a large-scale proxy war against Iran in the Middle East.
In Saudi Arabia @POTUS has just completed largest single arms deal in US history, negotiating a package totaling more than $109.7 billion
— Sean Spicer (@PressSec) May 20, 2017
“This package of defense equipment and services support the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of Iranian threats, while also bolstering the Kingdom’s ability to contribute to counter terrorism operations across the region,” CNBC News quoted the White House statement.
Trump arrived the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Saturday for negotiations with the Saudi side over a series of the issues including cooperation in security and military fields.
“According to White House sources, the United States and the Saudis signed letters of offer and acceptance for eight foreign military sales deals worth a total of $12.5 billion earlier today. Those agreements will be implemented as soon the Department of Defense puts contracts in place with industry—and funds are received from Saudi Arabia,” The National Interest reported on the issue, adding that “The remaining $95 billion portion of the arms package comes in the form of 34 memorandum of intent items.”
So far, the $109.7 billion arms deal has become the biggest result of the trip. it also indicates that the Trump administration is increasing its efforts aimed at countering the Iranian influence in the region. In this case, Saudi Arabia is an obvious US ally.
