Summary
U.S. and Saudi Arabia are discussing a defense pact and other agreements before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) visits President Trump at the White House. This will be the first time MBS visits the U.S. since 2018. The meetings aim to strengthen U.S.-Saudi relations and discuss regional issues.
Key Facts
- U.S. and Saudi officials are negotiating agreements, including a defense pact, before MBS meets President Trump.
- Jared Kushner recently visited Riyadh to meet with MBS ahead of the White House visit.
- This is MBS's first U.S. visit since the 2018 death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which he was linked to by U.S. intelligence.
- A possible security agreement under discussion would not be a legally binding treaty.
- Saudi Arabia is interested in buying a large package of weapons, including F-35 fighter jets, from the U.S.
- Saudi officials, including Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, have been visiting Washington to prepare for MBS's visit.
- Talks also covered normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, especially following the end of conflict in Gaza.
- The Saudis expect progress on agreements announced during Trump's previous visit to Saudi Arabia, which many feel have not been fully realized.
