Saudi Arabia, US sign landmark defence and economic agreements during MBS visit

Washington (Web Desk): Saudi Arabia and the United States (US) struck major deals on civil nuclear cooperation and the future sale of American F-35 fighter jets during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington on Tuesday, the White House announced.

According to the statement, both sides signed a “joint declaration” that lays out the legal basis for what is expected to become a decades-long partnership worth billions of dollars in the nuclear energy sector, built around what the US says are firm nonproliferation safeguards.

President Donald Trump also endorsed a significant defence package that would pave the way for Saudi Arabia to receive American F-35 stealth jets in the coming years.

Riyadh has asked to purchase 48 of the aircraft, and if approved, it would become the first time the US has agreed to sell the highly advanced fighter jets to the kingdom—an unmistakable shift in longstanding policy.

Such a move would have sweeping implications for the Middle East’s military balance and could challenge Washington’s own definition of safeguarding Israel’s “qualitative military edge,” since Israel is currently the only country in the region operating the F-35.

Prince Mohammed has been eager to secure American nuclear technology to keep pace with advances made by the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s regional rival, Iran. But talks have been slow, largely because Washington wants assurances that Riyadh will not pursue uranium enrichment or reprocessing of spent fuel—two routes that can enable the development of nuclear weapons.

Trump had earlier suggested that a civilian nuclear agreement was possible, though he noted that there was no rush to conclude it.

Later that night, during a formal black-tie dinner at the White House, Trump unveiled another major gesture: he said the United States would be designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally. Only 19 countries hold that status. Trump said he was sharing the news publicly for the first time at the dinner because the Saudis wanted to save the announcement for the evening event.

Earlier in the day, Trump celebrated Prince Mohammed’s promise to boost Saudi investments in the United States to nearly $1 trillion.

The crown prince received an exceptionally grand welcome, complete with troops on horseback and a dramatic military flyover featuring F-35 jets—the same aircraft the US now plans to sell to the kingdom. In the Oval Office, Trump opened the meeting by praising what he called MBS’s “incredible” record on human rights.

The prince then surprised him by raising a previous $600 billion investment pledge to almost $1 trillion, a figure Trump asked him to reconfirm with a smile. “Definitely,” the crown prince replied.

Trump offered the Saudi leader ceremonial honors that are typically reserved for full state visits, signaling how strongly he wants to strengthen ties with Riyadh as he seeks to use the temporary pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas to build broader regional stability.

The US president said he pressed Prince Mohammed to take steps toward normalizing relations with Israel under the framework of the Abraham Accords.

The crown prince responded that he was working toward that goal “as soon as possible,” but made clear that any progress would require a “clear path to a two-state solution” and guarantees for a Palestinian state.