The Trump administration is reportedly ready to approve major weapon sales to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which Former President Barack Obama blocked during his final months in the White House. Quoting a an official, The Washington Times said that a $300 million precision-guided missile technology package for Riyadh and a multibillion-dollar F-16 deal for Bahrain "are now in the pipeline ready for clearance from the new administration".
“The deals, if approved, would send a significant signal about the priorities of the new administration, where the security challenge posed by forces such as Islamist jihadi groups and Iran is taking a much greater precedence in setting foreign policy”, said the Washington Times report.
“These are significant sales for key allies in the Gulf who are facing the threat from Iran and who can contribute to the fight against the Islamic State,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Whereas the Obama administration held back on these, they’re now in the new administration’s court for a decision — and I would anticipate the decision will be to move forward.”