US President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to the White House with an elaborate ceremony. The meeting marked a significant milestone in US–Saudi relations and underscored the expansion of defence, diplomatic, and investment partnerships.
The crown prince arrived on a red carpet, with marching bands, flag-bearing horsemen and a military flyover. The grand welcome showed Trump’s strategy of shaping a new Middle East through investment and strong alliances. Inside the Oval Office, both leaders discussed business, peace, artificial intelligence, technology and security. The visit also led to several major announcements that could shift regional politics.
Trump-MBS Meeting: 5 Key Takeaways
1. Progress on Saudi-Israel Relations
Trump and MBS stated that they had “good talks” regarding Saudi Arabia’s potential participation in the Abraham Accords. Prince Mohammed said: “We believe having a good relationship with all Middle Eastern countries is a good thing, and we want to be part of the Abraham Accords.”
He stressed the need for a clear path to a two-state solution. “We’ve got to work on that… to prepare the right situation as soon as possible,” he said. Trump added: “In a short period of time, we’ll be discussing it further, too.”
2. US Names Saudi Arabia a Major Non-NATO Ally
Trump announced that the US will recognise Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally.” This status gives Saudi Arabia faster access to American defence technology.
The White House said both sides signed a strategic defence agreement that will “fortify deterrence across the Middle East” and secure “new burden-sharing funds from Saudi Arabia to defray US costs.” Trump also confirmed he will approve the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia.
3. Discussion on Iran and Possible Diplomatic Deals
Trump boasted about US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Later, he said Iran now seeks a diplomatic path. “I am totally open to it, and we’re talking to them,” he said.
Prince Mohammed said: “We will do our best to help reach a deal… good for Iran’s future and the region.”
4. Saudi Investments in the US May Reach $1 Trillion
Trump thanked MBS for major future investments. “You’ve agreed to invest $600bn… he might make it $1 trillion,” Trump said. MBS confirmed the goal. He said investments in AI, rare materials and technology “will create a lot of investment opportunities.”
5. Warm Display of Personal Ties and Political Drama
Trump praised MBS as “fantastic” and “brilliant.” He even held his hand while criticising Joe Biden’s 2021 fist bump gesture. “I grabbed that hand. I don’t give a hell where that hand’s been,” Trump said.
Trump also clashed with an ABC News reporter. When asked about releasing Jeffrey Epstein files, he said the network’s licence should be revoked.
Trump Positions MBS as a Strategic Power Broker
The visit showed Trump’s attempt to place MBS at the centre of his Middle East strategy. The US aims to counter China’s influence, secure defence cooperation, and anchor emerging technologies through Saudi partnerships. The meeting signals a future where Saudi Arabia becomes even more central to US geopolitical and economic plans.
