Saudi Arabia has formally agreed to purchase the US-made Terminal High Altitude Aerial Defense (THAAD) system, the State Department confirmed on Wednesday, as the Donald Trump administration tries to stave off pressure from Congress to rein in relations with Riyadh over the spiraling Yemen war and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Why it matters: The $15 billion missile defense system was the centerpiece of President Trump’s announced $110 billion in arms deals with Riyadh on his first overseas trip as commander-in-chief. Signed amid the uproar from Congress, the move shows the lengths that the US administration is willing to go to salvage relations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commonly referred to by his initials, MBS.
