The US State Department has approved a $1.96 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia to bolster air defences amid escalating Middle East tensions.

The US approved the possible sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth $1.96 billion, the State Department said on

Announcement comes as war with Iran has led to strikes on US interests in both countries and others in region.

WASHINGTON -- The US State Department on Wednesday approved the sale of weapons worth an estimated 1.96 billion US dollars to Saudi Arabia.