Washington, D.C., August 9 — The Biden administration has lifted a three-year ban on the sale of offensive heavy weapons to Saudi Arabia, a decision that reverses a policy initially aimed at pressuring the kingdom to end its involvement in the war in Yemen. This development was reported by Reuters on Friday, citing information from the U.S. State Department.

The ban's reversal marks a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Saudi Arabia, a key ally in the Middle East. According to a senior Biden administration official, the decision comes after Saudi Arabia fulfilled the conditions set by the U.S. for lifting the ban. The official stated, "The Saudis have met the terms of their agreement, and we are ready to meet ours. These matters will now be brought back to regular status on the basis of appropriate instructions and advice from Congress."

The lifting of the ban paves the way for the resumption of arms sales to Saudi Arabia, which could begin as early as next week. This move may draw scrutiny and debate within Congress, given the ongoing concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its military actions in Yemen.

The ban, originally imposed to curb Saudi Arabia's military operations in Yemen, was part of a broader U.S. effort to push for a resolution to the conflict that has caused significant civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis in the region. The Biden administration's decision signals a recalibration of U.S. foreign policy priorities in the Middle East, balancing strategic alliances with human rights considerations.