Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a landmark visit to the White House on Tuesday, his first trip to the United States in seven years. The visit, marked by ceremonial grandeur including a color guard, military band, and fighter jet flyover, underscored the significance of the bilateral relationship. President Trump accompanied the Crown Prince on a televised tour of the newly inaugurated ‘Presidential Walk of Fame,’ highlighting the warmth of their engagement. This visit represents a dramatic shift in US-Saudi relations, particularly following the 2018 Jamal Khashoggi incident, which had strained ties. The Crown Prince’s agenda includes lobbying for US intervention in Sudan’s civil war and advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation. Key discussions revolve around defense deals, including the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets and AI-supported drones, as well as access to US civilian nuclear technology. Saudi Arabia aims to localize its defense industry with US assistance, moving beyond mere arms procurement. The visit also highlights Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a hub for AI and renewable energy, leveraging its vast fossil fuel and solar resources. Despite budgetary constraints from mega-projects like Neom, Saudi Arabia remains committed to securing cutting-edge US technology. The Crown Prince’s push for uranium enrichment, however, has raised concerns within the US government. The visit underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic pivot to diversify its partnerships and assert itself as a regional power, while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics involving Israel, China, and Iran.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman arrives at White House after seven-year hiatus
