Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Visit to Washington: A Focus on Defense and Economic Ties Amid Tensions

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is set to visit Washington on November 18, 2025, for a high-profile meeting with President Donald Trump. This visit, marked by ceremonial pomp, aims to solidify U.S.-Saudi relations through discussions on defense agreements and economic partnerships, despite underlying tensions regarding the Gaza conflict and relations with Israel.

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The primary focus of MBS's visit is to advance a U.S.-Saudi defense pact and facilitate the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This would make Saudi Arabia the first Middle Eastern nation, aside from Israel, to acquire these advanced aircraft. Discussions are also expected to include the importation of advanced AI chips from American companies, which have faced export restrictions due to concerns over Saudi ties with China. The U.S. and Saudi officials are negotiating the terms for these shipments, which are crucial for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying its economy.

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While MBS seeks to strengthen defense ties, the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict complicates matters. Saudi Arabia has insisted that Palestinian statehood is a prerequisite for normalizing relations with Israel, a stance that contrasts with Trump's push for rapid normalization. The recent ceasefire in Gaza has not alleviated Saudi concerns, as public sentiment in the kingdom has turned increasingly anti-Israel due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that discussions are ongoing and expressed optimism about reaching agreements during MBS's visit. However, experts note that while Trump is committed to pursuing normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel, significant gaps remain that may hinder progress. The Trump administration has shifted its approach, separating the normalization issue from defense and economic discussions, which may allow for some agreements to be reached without immediate resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Critics argue that rushing into defense agreements without addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza could undermine U.S. credibility in the region. Some experts emphasize that any defense pact should be formalized through the U.S. Senate to ensure bipartisan support, rather than relying on executive orders that could be reversed by future administrations. Additionally, concerns persist regarding the implications of transferring advanced military technology to Saudi Arabia, particularly in light of its military cooperation with China.

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Following the White House meeting, a U.S.-Saudi investment summit is scheduled for November 19, 2025, where further economic collaborations will be explored. This summit is seen as a continuation of investment discussions initiated during Trump's previous visit to Saudi Arabia, with potential finalizations of deals that have cleared regulatory reviews.

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• “The Saudis think of themselves as this beautiful garden in the midst of a fire,” — Bernard Haykel, Professor of Near East Studies, Princeton University

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• “Having for better or worse made the commitment to Qatar, it seems to me unfathomable that the administration wouldn’t offer at least the same commitment to Saudi Arabia and probably to other traditional Gulf partners like the UAE who over the years have often been more steadfast and reliable allies in their support for U.S. regional and global objectives,” — John Hannah, Senior Fellow, Jewish Institute for National Security of America

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• “These steps are not the end goal, they are the pathway to the realization of the Palestinian state and implementation of the two-state solution,” — Manal Radwan, Senior Saudi Foreign Ministry Official

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This visit underscores the complex interplay of defense, economic interests, and regional stability as MBS seeks to navigate the challenges posed by the Gaza conflict while enhancing Saudi Arabia's strategic partnership with the United States.

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