Trump Moves Closer to Signing U.S.-Saudi Security Pact During MBS Visit

President Donald Trump is reportedly poised to sign a sweeping security agreement with Saudi Arabia, a step that analysts say represents a significant deepening of Washington’s strategic commitment to the kingdom. The move comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) visits Washington — a high-stakes meeting underscoring the priorities of both nations.

A New Chapter in U.S.-Saudi Defense Ties

The proposed pact is expected to grant Saudi Arabia formal U.S. security guarantees. According to U.S. officials, the structure will mirror a recent executive-order pledge granted to Qatar, rather than a legally binding treaty — meaning it could be reversed by a future administration.

Still, for Riyadh, the deal would represent a powerful signal: that the U.S. stands ready to respond in the event of a threat, reinforcing decades-old relations rooted in oil-for-security dynamics. Analysts note that such a guarantee could strengthen Saudi confidence amid regional volatility, particularly as it juggles shifting alliances and security challenges.

Economic Ties Deepen Alongside Defense

The security agreement is nested inside a much larger strategic package between the two nations. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia pledged to invest $600 billion in the United States across energy, infrastructure, technology, and defense.

As part of that commitment, the two countries already signed what the White House described as the largest defense sales deal in U.S. history — roughly $142 billion in advanced military equipment and support from over a dozen U.S. defense firms.

In addition, Riyadh and Washington are building cooperation in non-military sectors: energy infrastructure, critical minerals, AI, and potentially civilian nuclear power.

Strategic and Political Stakes

For Trump, the security deal is not just about defense — it’s a pillar of his broader “America First” foreign policy. By solidifying ties with Saudi Arabia, he reinforces economic and geopolitical leverage in the Middle East. Some observers argue it also aligns with his transactional approach: tying security guarantees to deep financial commitments.
Responsible Statecraft

For Prince Mohammed, the security agreement could help anchor Saudi Arabia more firmly under the U.S. security umbrella — a counterweight to other global powers and a reassurance against regional threats.

Risks and Critics

But the deal is not without controversy: critics warn that a U.S. security guarantee could entangle America in future Saudi regional ambitions or conflicts.
Responsible Statecraft

Others note the symbolic and political weight of MBS’s visit. This is his first trip to the U.S. since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a sore point in the bilateral relationship.

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