Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington this week, marking his first visit to the US since 2018. The three-day trip, which began on Monday, will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, with the prince prioritizing enhanced US security guarantees for Saudi Arabia. This comes in the wake of recent Israeli strikes on Qatar, a key US ally, which have heightened regional tensions. While Trump is expected to push for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, Riyadh remains reluctant, citing its longstanding condition for the establishment of a Palestinian state as a prerequisite for such a move. The visit also includes a US-Saudi investment forum, highlighting collaboration in energy and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the crown prince is reportedly seeking advanced defense systems, including F-35 fighter jets, and access to high-tech chips to support Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions. The meeting underscores the complex dynamics of US-Saudi relations, with both nations navigating regional security challenges and economic diversification efforts.