Post by : Rameen Ariff

Washington, D.C. – Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday for talks aimed at enhancing cooperation in oil, security, and trade, while also focusing on technological and nuclear energy partnerships.

This visit is MBS’s first since the controversial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, an event that drew significant global criticism. U.S. intelligence implicated MBS in approving the operation, which he has denied, asserting his role as the Kingdom’s leader.

Despite previous tensions, both nations are keen to fortify their relationship. Trump aims to leverage a $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia made during his May visit, prioritizing economic and strategic collaboration while minimizing discussions on human rights issues.

Focus on Defense Agreements

A primary topic of discussion will be a potential defense accord, as Saudi Arabia has historically depended on U.S. security guarantees in return for favorable oil arrangements. Recent regional conflicts, including Iranian attacks on Saudi oil facilities and an Israeli strike in Qatar, have heightened Riyadh’s demand for stronger defense assurances.

While Washington considering various executive orders akin to the defense agreement with Qatar, Saudi Arabia seeks a more comprehensive security pact. Analysts predict that the U.S. might provide advisory support, defensive hardware, or troop deployments, albeit possibly foregoing full defense assurances.

Ambitions in Technology and Nuclear Energy

MBS views advanced technology and nuclear cooperation as critical to fulfilling Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan. Acquiring leading-edge artificial intelligence and civil nuclear technologies will enable the Kingdom to diversify its economy and solidify its competitive stance, particularly against Iran and the UAE.

Saudi Arabia has rebuffed U.S. stipulations restricting uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing, demonstrating its resolve to pursue a nuclear agenda that guarantees energy security and technological equity in the Gulf region.

Navigating Regional Dynamics

These discussions unfold against a backdrop of intricate geopolitical considerations, including U.S.-Israel-Saudi relations and the ongoing dialogue regarding Palestinian statehood. Riyadh is focused on linking defense cooperation with Israeli positions on Palestine, complicating the negotiations at the White House.

Experts believe that both sides will emerge with conditional successes: the U.S. might extend specific defense assistance and economic ties, while Saudi Arabia is likely to achieve concessions in technology and civil nuclear projects. A Western diplomat remarked, “This is diplomacy in action. Both parties will exercise caution as they navigate their ambitions amid geopolitical realities.”

This visit by MBS could redefine U.S.-Saudi relationships and potentially alter the broader dynamics of security and economic matters in the Middle East. With substantial investment commitments, AI capabilities, and nuclear energy collaboration at stake, this meeting marks a crucial juncture in the interplay between Washington and Riyadh.

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