President Donald Trump has confirmed plans to resume U.S. nuclear testing and is considering a major F-35 fighter jet deal with Saudi Arabia. The announcement comes as Trump also threatens legal action against the BBC over a controversial documentary.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the U.S. will restart nuclear testing “like other countries.” He did not specify whether this would include detonating a nuclear warhead. The decision follows his directive last month to resume testing after a 33-year pause. He shared the announcement on Truth Social while traveling to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Trump confirmed that Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in purchasing a large number of F-35 stealth fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
“They want to buy a lot of jets,” Trump said. “I’m looking at that. They want to buy a lot of ‘35’ – but actually more than that, fighter jets.”
The potential sale is expected to be discussed during a White House meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman next week. Economic and defense agreements could also be part of the discussions.
A Pentagon intelligence report has warned that the sale could risk sensitive F-35 technology falling into the hands of China, raising security concerns.
Trump also addressed a separate legal matter involving the BBC. He said he plans to sue the broadcaster next week over a Panorama documentary aired before the 2024 election.
The documentary spliced segments of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech, implying he incited violence. While the BBC apologized and called it an “error of judgement,” it denied any defamation. Trump’s lawyers have demanded a formal retraction, compensation, and an apology, with potential damages of up to $1 billion.
In other related news also read Trump Requests Israeli President To Grant Pardon To Netanyahu
The combination of nuclear testing plans and a possible defense deal with Saudi Arabia underscores Trump’s continued influence on U.S. foreign policy and defense priorities.
