The United States is weighing a roughly $24 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighters to Saudi Arabia, but U.S. intelligence warns China could access sensitive F-35 technology through espionage in Saudi Arabia or via its security ties to the kingdom.

The administration argues the deal would not undercut Israel’s military edge and would advance U.S. foreign policy by bolstering security of a key Gulf ally and promoting regional stability and economic progress in the Gulf, with congressional approvals finalized this week after earlier submissions in June.

The sale is described as contingent on final approvals and subject to standard review processes as it moves through congressional oversight, production scheduling, and security condition establishment.

The report draws on Le Monde with AFP as its sourcing.

The government notice announcing the deal includes input from multiple agencies, underscoring its official and multi-agency consideration.

The article is dated September 17, 2026, framed within ongoing Middle East developments as of that time.

In a related congressional action, the U.S. House passes a resolution urging withdrawal of U.S. forces from fighting in the Iran conflict, signaling bipartisan pressure without immediate policy changes.

President Trump had announced the deal previously, though detailed scope had not been disclosed at that time, highlighting ongoing political contention around the sale.

Lawmakers and aides have questioned the identified intelligence risks, but there has been no official public comment from administration officials on those concerns as of reporting.

Observers note potential paths for approval or opposition, including a possible expedited congressional route if regional emergencies are declared, mirroring past procedures used for Israel-related arms shipments.

The timeline remains uncertain, as delivery hinges on congressional review, production schedules, and the setting of security conditions before any transfer could occur.

Analysts provide broader context on Middle East headlines related to the deal, drawing on expert commentary to frame its implications for regional security.