Saudi Crown Prince Visits Washington
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came to Washington on Tuesday, marking his first visit to the White House in seven years. This trip is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing U.S.-Saudi relations, which are essential for U.S. interests in security and energy.
Before the meeting, a group comprised of 9/11 survivors, responders, and families of victims urged President Trump to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its suspected involvement in the 2001 attacks. This request came after U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels’ recent ruling regarding a lawsuit against the state of Saudi Arabia.
The visit coincided with President Trump recognizing that the U.S. intends to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, stating, “We’re going to say we’re going to do that.” This announcement immediately shifted the focus onto how this would impact Israel’s military superiority and the overall defense dynamics in the region.
White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly mentioned, “President Trump welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to the White House, and the two leaders are looking forward to an official working visit.” During Trump’s earlier trip to Saudi Arabia this year, the U.S. secured investments worth $600 billion, with potential benefits across various sectors like technology and defense.
A senior administration official indicated that anticipated agreements from this visit may include significant investments in U.S. AI infrastructure and defense cooperation aimed at strengthening ties between both nations.
The dialogue will also revolve around fulfilling Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a $600 billion investment through several targeted endeavors in crucial U.S. sectors.
In Saudi Arabia, this visit is viewed as historic. Aziz Arghassian, an international relations lecturer at Riyadh’s Naif Arab University, expressed excitement and remarked, “Saudis say they are not isolated in the region… This is an open door.” He added that this moment symbolizes a shift in how Saudis perceive their position globally.
This visit is significant as it marks Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s first appearance at the White House since journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder in 2018, which U.S. intelligence attributes to him—a claim he denies.
Jacob Olidort, director of U.S. security at the America First Policy Institute, described the visit as a much-needed reset of the U.S.-Saudi partnership, emphasizing the focus on a new security agreement. Arghassian characterized this deal as intending to “enhance, promote, and unify” relations.
While the agreement may not entirely fulfill Riyadh’s previous expectations, it could still signify a monumental improvement in relations, given the current political climate in Washington.
Arghassian noted Saudi Arabia’s urgency regarding these negotiations, indicating a desire for favorable outcomes before a potential change in administration complicates matters. The kingdom is particularly interested in establishing nuclear cooperation with the U.S., although it has alternatives with China and South Korea.
The evolving situation underscores Saudi Arabia’s insistence on addressing its priorities, particularly in defense and Palestinian statehood. Olidort indicated that full normalization with Israel is not an immediate goal but rather a deeper cooperation could be fostered.
Further complicating matters, Arghassian pointed out Saudi Arabia’s condition for rebuilding in Gaza: it will only do so once Hamas is removed and Israel is disengaged, a stance that doesn’t align well with rapid post-war plans.
President Trump’s decision to approve the F-35 sale is significant, as Saudi Arabia seeks to acquire up to 48 jets, potentially reshaping military balances in the region. However, some experts, like Olidort, believe this does not necessarily jeopardize Israel’s dominance, instead suggesting it could facilitate stronger cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
In addition to defense issues, the trip also aims to enhance technology exchanges. Saudi Arabia is investing in securing access to advanced AI capabilities from the U.S., positioning itself as a central hub for data and energy.
Olidort emphasized that AI cooperation with Saudi Arabia is a strategic priority for the U.S., especially amid competition with China. This concern illustrates a broader perspective within the U.S. regarding the intersection of AI development and global power dynamics.
