Saudi Arabia seeks US security guarantee from Trump ahead of Washington visit

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) will meet President Donald Trump in Washington next week, marking his first visit to the U.S. since international outrage over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with security expected to dominate their discussions.

The visit follows weeks of tense negotiations over security, technology, and regional stability, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Saudi officials aim to secure an executive order from Trump similar to one issued to Qatar last month, enhancing Riyadh’s defence capabilities ahead of a potential formal treaty. Analysts say a strengthened U.S.-Saudi security partnership is central to MBS’s Vision 2030 economic transformation, which relies heavily on foreign investment and regional stability.

The crown prince’s focus comes amid heightened regional tensions, including missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, the ongoing threat from Iran-backed Houthi militants along Saudi Arabia’s southern border, and the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. Saudi Arabia regards a strong U.S. security commitment as essential, with Riyadh seeing no viable alternative to American backing.

Defense procurement will be a key topic. Saudi Arabia seeks U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jets, which Israel currently monopolizes in the Middle East. While Washington remains committed to Israel’s qualitative military edge, sources indicate Trump may allow Riyadh to purchase the advanced jets, which cost around $100 million each.

Other security-linked discussions include Saudi Arabia’s push to import advanced AI chips from U.S. companies like Nvidia and AMD, currently restricted due to Washington’s national security concerns. These chips underpin planned AI data centers in the kingdom, forming a critical component of its technological and defense ambitions.

The talks will also touch on atomic energy cooperation, though any agreement to support Saudi nuclear capabilities could require Congressional approval. The broader aim is to solidify Saudi Arabia’s security infrastructure while advancing the kingdom’s economic and technological modernization.

Despite regional volatility, MBS prioritizes deepening ties with the U.S., leveraging his personal rapport with Trump to advance strategic security arrangements. Analysts suggest that while other issues, including Israeli-Palestinian relations, remain sensitive, the security dimension will define the visit’s outcomes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev