U.S. President Donald Trump plans a grand welcome for Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The visit aims to boost ties through defense and trade.
Trump to welcome Saudi crown prince with offer of fighter jets, business deals. This key event happens today. It marks a big step in U.S.-Saudi relations.
The crown prince, known as MBS, arrives for talks at the White House. This is his first trip since 2018. Back then, ties soured over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi died in a Saudi consulate in Istanbul. U.S. intelligence linked MBS to the event. He denied any role but took overall blame as leader.
Now, relations have warmed. Trump sees Saudi as a key ally. The U.S. wants Saudi investments. Saudi seeks strong security pacts. Experts say this visit shows quick recovery. Jonathan Panikoff, a Middle East expert, notes Trump’s push for deals. He works at the Atlantic Council.
Fighter Jets on the Table
A major highlight is the F-35 sale. Saudi wants 48 of these advanced jets. Trump confirmed the deal on Monday. “We’ll be selling” them, he said. This would be the first U.S. sale to Saudi. It shifts past policy limits.
The jets cost billions. They boost Saudi air power. But some worry about risks. The Pentagon raised concerns over tech sharing. Saudi has ties with China. U.S. law protects Israel’s edge in arms sales. It’s unclear if that’s cleared yet.
Trump to welcome Saudi crown prince with offer of fighter jets, business deals. This move could change Middle East balance. Israel may object. But Trump pushes ahead for gains.
Wide Range of Business Deals
The visit goes beyond jets. Trump offers many pacts. These cover tech, manufacturing, and defense. Saudi plans big U.S. investments. In May, MBS pledged $600 billion. That includes AI data centers. It also funds energy projects and health care.
Talks may sign AI deals. Saudi wants U.S. tech for its growth. A nuclear agreement is in play too. It could let Saudi enrich uranium later. This fits Trump’s peace push. He urges Saudi-Israel ties. A Gaza ceasefire helps now.
Experts like Dennis Ross see strategy here. Trump wants to pull Saudi from China. Strong bonds keep it close to the U.S. The crown prince seeks guarantees. He eyes oil and global reach.
A Day of Diplomacy and Pomp
The schedule is full. MBS meets Trump in the Oval Office. They lunch in the Cabinet Room. A black-tie dinner follows. Business leaders join. Lawmakers attend too.
It’s not a full state visit. King Salman holds that title. But MBS runs daily affairs. He acts as Saudi’s top voice.
On Wednesday, they head to a summit. It’s at the Kennedy Center. U.S. and Saudi firms link up. This builds on Trump’s May trip to Riyadh. There, he got a hero’s welcome. Jets flew escort. Swords and horses added flair.
Trump to welcome Saudi crown prince with offer of fighter jets, business deals. This caps a busy week. It shows Trump’s deal-making style.
Past Shadows and Future Hopes
The Khashoggi case lingers. His widow called the visit painful. She spoke to CNN. “Jamal should be here,” she said. The U.S. sanctioned 19 Saudis then. Trump downplayed MBS’s role. He called it a tragic event.
Trump’s team includes old allies. Jared Kushner built Saudi links. His firm got $2 billion from them. This visit builds on that trust.
In the end, both sides gain. U.S. gets jobs and cash. Saudi gets power and tech. The world watches for peace steps. Will Israel join? Trump hopes so.
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