US President Donald Trump will host Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the White House on Tuesday, marking the prince’s first visit to the US since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The meeting is expected to focus on a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets and a series of major business agreements.
According to a senior White House official, the visit could see progress on deals worth billions of dollars across defence, technology, manufacturing and energy sectors. Saudi Arabia has reportedly requested to buy 48 F-35 aircraft, which would mark the first such sale to the kingdom.
From Diplomatic Strain to Renewed Cooperation
The visit underscores the renewed warmth in US-Saudi relations following years of tension after Khashoggi’s murder. US intelligence concluded that MBS approved the operation to capture or kill Khashoggi, though the crown prince denied ordering it.
During his day-long visit, MBS will meet Trump in the Oval Office, attend a Cabinet Room lunch and conclude with a black-tie dinner. Trump hopes to capitalise on a $600 billion Saudi investment pledge made during his earlier visit to Riyadh. “The Saudis will be spending a lot of money tomorrow on the US,” a senior White House official said.
Strategic Aims and Geopolitical Balance
Analysts believe Trump aims to deepen Saudi ties to reduce Riyadh’s growing links with China. Former Middle East negotiator Dennis Ross said Trump’s strategy is to bind Saudi Arabia to the US “on a range of issues, from security to the finance-AI-energy nexus.”
The sale of F-35s would represent a significant policy shift, potentially reshaping the region’s military balance. Until now, Israel has been the only Middle Eastern country operating the advanced jets, in line with Washington’s commitment to preserving Israel’s “qualitative military edge.”
Push for Normalisation and Security Cooperation
Beyond military sales, discussions are expected to include Saudi access to artificial intelligence technology, progress on a civilian nuclear programme and a broader security pact. Trump will also press MBS to join the Abraham Accords, building on the agreements brokered during his previous term between Israel and several Arab states.
While Saudi Arabia remains hesitant to normalise ties with Israel without progress toward Palestinian statehood, Trump views Riyadh’s participation as pivotal to achieving broader Middle East peace.
Jonathan Panikoff, a former US intelligence official, said Trump’s focus on Saudi investment in the US could help advance defence cooperation even if diplomatic breakthroughs with Israel remain limited.
(with inputs from Reuters)
