Trump, MBS Ink $200B+ Defense, Tech Pact to Bolster Saudi Military, Counter Iran

Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, DC, with a display of military might and diplomatic pomp. The trip, laden with symbolic gestures and high-stakes negotiations, saw the two leaders ink agreements that will bolster the kingdom's access to advanced U.S. military and technological capabilities. The crown prince, who has faced international scrutiny over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, was granted a rare level of access and praise from the U.S. president. According to reports.

Trump and MBS announced a major defense deal that includes the sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets and nearly 300 M1A2 Abrams tanks.

The F-35s mark a first for Saudi Arabia, as they are the most advanced fighter jets available outside of Israel. The deal is expected to strengthen the kingdom's regional military posture and serve as a strategic counterbalance to Iran.

In addition to the military agreements, Trump greenlit the export of advanced artificial intelligence chips to Saudi Arabia, signaling a shift in U.S. export policy and deepening tech ties. The U.S. plans to approve the first sales of AI chips to the Saudi AI firm Humain, part of a broader AI agreement between the two countries. This move will facilitate permits for AI chip shipments to other U.S. companies with projects in Saudi Arabia.

Strategic Alliances and Economic Pledges

The crown prince secured a designation for Saudi Arabia as a "major non-NATO ally," allowing it quicker access to advanced U.S. weapons systems. The move is a significant win for Saudi Arabia, which has long sought closer military ties with the U.S. This status also reflects the Trump administration's view of Saudi Arabia as a key player in regional security and a critical partner in countering Chinese influence as reported.

During the visit, MBS pledged to increase Saudi investment in the U.S. to $1 trillion from a previously announced $600 billion. The promise, however, comes with caveats. Analysts have noted that the figure may never materialize in full, as it lacks a clear timeline or execution details. Still, the announcement signals Saudi Arabia's intent to play a larger role in the global economy and underscores the kingdom's growing financial clout.

Tensions and Unmet Goals

Despite the apparent success of the trip, several issues remained unresolved. The normalization of Saudi-Israeli relations, a key goal for the Trump administration, did not see a breakthrough. MBS reiterated his stance that such a move is contingent on a viable path toward a two-state solution for Palestinians. This condition remains a non-starter for Israel, particularly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership.

Another sticking point was the potential nuclear deal, which remains unresolved. The issue of allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium is a red line for many in Washington who fear it could lead to a weapons program. Additionally, the announced Strategic Defense Agreement, while a significant step, lacks the binding commitments of a traditional defense pact. These unmet goals highlight the complexity of the U.S.-Saudi relationship and the challenges in aligning their strategic interests.

Geopolitical and Ethical Considerations

The U.S. decision to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia has raised concerns among national security officials. Some fear that the advanced technology could be accessed by China, a growing rival of the U.S. in the Middle East and globally. Additionally, the sale has drawn criticism from Israel, which worries about losing its qualitative military edge in the region as reported.

Human rights groups and some U.S. lawmakers have also voiced concerns over the ethical implications of the deal. The Khashoggi murder remains a sensitive topic, and critics argue that the U.S. is downplaying Saudi Arabia's human rights record in favor of economic and strategic interests. Raed Jarrar from DAWN, a human rights organization founded by Khashoggi, called the deal a painful reminder of how moral outrage can be overshadowed by geopolitical calculations.

Looking Ahead

With the White House visit behind him, MBS now turns to a Saudi-hosted investment summit featuring global CEOs and dignitaries. The event aims to showcase the kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy beyond oil. However, much depends on the fine print of the agreements reached during the trip. Congress will weigh in on the F-35 sales and nuclear technology transfers, and Israel may push back if it feels its military edge is compromised as reported.

For Trump, the visit represents a strategic win that aligns with his broader economic and national security agenda. By deepening ties with Saudi Arabia, the administration aims to counter Chinese influence in the Middle East and position the U.S. as a leading partner for the region's technological and economic development. The coming months will test the durability of these agreements and the extent to which they can withstand political and ethical scrutiny.