Pakistan, July 16 -- The United States has approved a nearly $2 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia aimed at strengthening the kingdom's air defence capabilities amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The US State Department announced that the proposed deal, valued at approximately $1.96 billion, would enhance Saudi Arabia's ability to counter current and future security threats.

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According to the State Department, the agreement supports Washington's foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the defence capabilities of a key US partner in the Gulf region. Officials described Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally and said the sale would contri...