The United States is expected to lift its ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Washington has indicated its readiness to lift the ban, as per a source familiar with the matter.

President Biden had imposed the ban shortly after taking office in 2021, due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its military campaign in Yemen, which caused significant civilian casualties.

Saudi Arabia, the largest U.S. arms customer, has been affected by these restrictions, Reuters has reported.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned that the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are close to finalizing agreements on nuclear energy, security, and defense cooperation, part of a broader deal involving Israel.

However, the lifting of the weapons ban is not directly tied to these agreements.

The White House and Saudi Arabia have not yet commented on the matter.

Written by B.C. Begley