U.S. President Donald Trump has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally.”
Speaking at a dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump said, “We are raising our military cooperation to higher levels by officially designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which is of great importance to them.”
اضافة اعلان
The meeting underscores the strategic relationship between the world’s largest economy and the top oil exporter, a priority for Trump in his second term. The warm reception of the Crown Prince in Washington marks a turning point in U.S.-Saudi relations.
Trump noted receiving a “positive response” regarding the prospects of Saudi normalization with Israel. However, the Crown Prince stressed that while he seeks to join the Abraham Accords, Israel must first allow a pathway for a Palestinian state—a demand Israel has yet to accept.
During the official White House dinner later on Tuesday, Trump reiterated that the U.S.-Saudi military cooperation would reach higher levels under this new designation, which provides military and economic benefits without imposing security obligations.
The White House stated that both countries signed a strategic defense agreement to “enhance deterrence across the Middle East,” facilitate U.S. defense companies’ operations in Saudi Arabia, and ensure “new cost-sharing funding from Saudi Arabia to cover U.S. expenses.”
Additionally, Trump approved the future sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, while the Saudis agreed to purchase 300 U.S. tanks. The planned F-35 deal—48 jets requested—would be the first of its kind between Washington and Riyadh, representing a significant geopolitical shift.
This sale could alter the military balance in the Middle East, challenging the U.S. concept of maintaining Israel’s “qualitative military edge,” as Israel remains the only country in the region to operate F-35s.
The two countries also signed a joint declaration to advance civil nuclear energy cooperation, laying the legal groundwork for a long-term nuclear partnership. The Crown Prince seeks access to U.S. nuclear technology to help Saudi Arabia keep pace with the UAE and Iran, though progress has been slow due to U.S. restrictions on uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing.
Commitment to Boost Saudi Investment
Upon arrival, the Crown Prince received a lavish welcome at the White House South Lawn with Trump, including a military honor guard, artillery salutes, and an aerial display by U.S. fighter jets.
Seated beside Trump, the Crown Prince pledged to increase Saudi investments in the U.S. to $1 trillion, up from a previous $600 billion commitment made during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May, without providing further details or a timeline.
The White House also announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on artificial intelligence and a framework for cooperation in critical minerals.
Reuters
