US approves nearly $2 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia

The move comes as Saudi Arabia appears to be on the brink of renewed war with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis after they fired missiles at an airport in the southern Saudi city of Abha on Monday.

The Houthi attack came after the Yemeni government hit Sanaa airport to divert a flight returning from the Iranian supreme leader’s funeral with a Houthi delegation on board. The Houthis blamed Riyadh for the attack.

The move also comes amid the United States ramping up waves of attacks on Iran, after reimposing a naval blockade as the foes return to war.

“There will be no adverse impact on US Defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” the release said.

Saudi Arabia is the single largest global recipient of US weapons, drawing more American military hardware than any other nation.

Separately, Washington approved a possible $484 million Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait for C-17 Sustainment and related equipment.

The Kuwait package includes aircraft components, parts and accessories, modification and support equipment, spare and repair parts, ground handling equipment, communications equipment, software support, technical documentation, training and logistics services.