Last week’s meeting at the White House between President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did more than just rekindle a strained partnership; it marked a strategic reset at a time when the Middle East is shifting under the weight of great-power competition. The stakes revolve around regional stability, emerging technologies and the balance of power between the United States, China and Iran. The visit also marked MBS’s first return to the White House since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which US intelligence said was cleared.
A relationship that has been tested, yet is sustainable
The US-Saudi relationship has endured scandals, political turbulence and divergent policies. Yet the reception in Washington this week underscored a central reality: Despite deep tensions, the partnership remains strategically essential. As Reuters puts it, US-Saudi ties “continue to endure, driven by energy, defense, [and] AI interests.”
The meeting also highlighted how dramatically the nature of the partnership has evolved. The relationship is no longer primarily driven by oil, but is now about countering Iran, halting China’s regional progress and integrating defense, cyber and energy innovation.
What was on the table
Reuters reported that the leaders faced a broad agenda: defense cooperation, artificial intelligence cooperation and progress toward a U.S.-Saudi civilian nuclear framework.
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Before the meeting, President Trump signaled his intention to approve the sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, stating: “I intend to do that… They want to buy them. They’ve been a great ally.” Several media outlets, including AP and The Guardian, confirmed his position.
After the meeting, the government made it official: the United States will proceed with the first F-35 transfer to the kingdom.
Saudi officials also sought stronger security guarantees, expanded access to U.S. technology and clarity on the path forward for nuclear cooperation.
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Regional interests: Saudi Arabia as stabilizer, Iran as challenger
Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a stabilizing force aligned with Western interests – countering Iranian aggression, moderating regional conflicts and promoting economic modernization under Vision 2030. However, Iran continues to arm and train proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Yemen while accelerating its nuclear activities.
As the Atlantic Council noted this week, Saudi Arabia is “at the forefront of a new Middle East” marked by shifting alliances and centers of power. Reuters also described MBS’s return to Washington as “reclaiming the world stage” after years of strained ties.
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The Abraham Accords dimension
One of the most consequential questions surrounding the visit is whether Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords. President Trump has repeatedly expressed confidence that Riyadh will move toward normalization with Israel “very soon.”
Yet both AP and Reuters confirm that normalization remains dependent on measurable progress toward a Palestinian state. There was no breakthrough this week, but officials from both countries said the discussions created momentum — a sign that a future deal is possible but not imminent.
What the meeting at the White House yielded
Public reporting shows that the meeting produced several concrete results:
• F-35 Sale Completed The government confirmed the historic F-35 transfer, boosting Saudi Arabia’s military capability and signaling renewed strategic confidence.
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• Technology and Investment Framework Advanced Saudi Arabia reaffirmed major investment commitments in US-based AI infrastructure, critical minerals supply chains and advanced manufacturing. Officials also highlighted the move toward a civilian nuclear cooperation framework now under technical review.
• Gradual progress on the Abraham Accords Normalization remains conditional, but both governments recognized forward movement toward a future framework – a notable shift after years of diplomatic stagnation.
• Symbolic and strategic repositioning MBS’s return to the White House restores his global standing as Washington reasserts its influence in a region where China has aggressively expanded its footprint – including a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed with Riyadh in 2022**.**
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Collectively, these developments amount to the most significant reset in U.S.-Saudi relations in nearly a decade.
Why this matters to America’s future
Global competition is no longer determined by geography or oil. It is being reshaped by technological dominance, military modernization and ideological influence. If Washington fails to firmly entrench Saudi Arabia in its defense and technology networks, it risks ceding the Middle East to a China-Russia-Iran axis eager to fill any vacuum.
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Iran’s growing proxy network and advancing nuclear capabilities – documented by the IAEA and US intelligence – raise the stakes.
If this week’s agreements become the basis for a deeper strategic partnership, the United States is likely to regain momentum in a region undergoing rapid realignment.
The way forward
• The US must codify its defense and technology commitments into a sustainable, long-term framework. • Saudi Arabia should continue gradual cooperation with Israel as part of a broader effort to stabilize the region.
• Both countries should increase coordination in countering Iran through shared intelligence, sanctions enforcement and integrated deterrence.
• Americans deserve transparency about Saudi investment promises to ensure they deliver real gains in jobs, innovation and supply chain resilience.
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Conclusion
Last week’s meeting was not a ceremonial courtesy call; it was a strategic crossroads. Washington now needs Riyadh not only as a defense partner, but also as a co-architect of a stable, modern and strategically oriented Middle East.
Whether this meeting becomes a true milestone or fades into missed potential will determine whether the United States regains strategic momentum—or surrenders it to adversaries seeking to aggressively reshape the region to their advantage.
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