Saudi F-35 Deal Pushed Amid Houthi Attack Escalation

The United States is advancing a $24.3 billion (approximately 3.36 trillion won) deal to sell 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, as attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces on the kingdom intensify. CNBC reported on October 18 that the Trump administration is pursuing this sale, which includes related equipment, with final approval still pending. The Houthis are expanding their attacks on Saudi Arabia while attempting to secure control of the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key maritime passage connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, according to CNBC. The potential impact of this transaction on military and maritime security in the Middle East requires further verification.