Imagine a scenario where a world leader, once shadowed by controversy, is welcomed back onto the global stage with open arms and lucrative deals. That's precisely what's unfolding as Donald Trump gears up to host Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in his first official US visit since the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
It's a move that has sparked considerable debate, to say the least.
Trump plans to extend a lavish welcome to the prince, complete with ceremonial displays like fly-bys and cannon fire, essentially bestowing upon him the honors of a state dinner – a rather significant gesture considering MBS isn't technically a head of state, but rather the de facto ruler of the kingdom. This opulent reception underscores the priority Trump places on strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, a nation rich in oil and pivotal in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
But here's where it gets controversial... Trump has publicly stated his intention to move forward with the sale of advanced F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, despite existing concerns from Israel regarding the potential shift in regional power dynamics. This decision highlights the delicate balancing act the US often navigates in the Middle East, caught between maintaining its alliances and pursuing its own strategic interests.
Adding another layer to the complex relationship, Trump intends to finalize a framework agreement for civilian nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia. And this is the part most people miss... such agreements, while ostensibly for peaceful purposes, always raise questions about potential proliferation risks and the long-term implications for regional stability.
Beyond defense and nuclear matters, Trump is expected to leverage the visit to push Prince Mohammed towards normalizing relations with Israel. This push is part of a broader effort to broker a comprehensive Middle East peace deal in the aftermath of the devastating war in Gaza. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to see Saudi Arabia join the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations brokered during his first term.
In Trump's own words, he's "honoring Saudi Arabia, the Crown Prince." The visit is seen by many as an opportunity for MBS to reset his image and move past the global outrage that followed Khashoggi's murder in 2018. US intelligence reports suggested that Prince Mohammed approved the operation within the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, an allegation vehemently denied by Saudi authorities.
Despite the controversy, MBS has cultivated close ties with Trump and his family over the years. This relationship was cemented during Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2025, marked by a lavish welcome and $600 billion in investment pledges.
However, the visit isn't just about what the US wants. Prince Mohammed has his own agenda. He is expected to seek firmer US security guarantees, particularly in light of recent Israeli strikes in Qatar, a close US ally. These strikes have heightened anxieties within the Gulf region, prompting Saudi Arabia to seek assurances of protection. Beyond the F-35s, Riyadh is also keen on acquiring advanced air and missile defense systems, as well as access to high-tech chips crucial for advancing its ambitious artificial intelligence programs.
While Trump hopes for a breakthrough on normalization with Israel, analysts believe Saudi Arabia is unlikely to agree to such a move without significant progress on the establishment of a Palestinian state. Potential Saudi moves towards normalization were put on hold following the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023. The kingdom appears unwilling to budge on this issue without tangible steps towards a two-state solution.
Ultimately, Trump will aim to showcase the "bromance" he shares with Prince Mohammed, a relationship both leaders have actively cultivated. A US-Saudi investment forum focusing on energy and artificial intelligence is also planned during the visit, further highlighting the economic ties between the two nations. Notably, the Trump family has extensive business interests in Saudi Arabia. Just before the prince's arrival, a Saudi developer announced a new partnership with the Trump Organization to build a luxury hotel in the Maldives, with financing opportunities through digital tokens.
This visit raises several crucial questions: Can the pursuit of strategic alliances and economic gains justify overlooking human rights concerns? Will Saudi Arabia's potential normalization with Israel truly pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East, or is it merely a transactional agreement with limited impact on the Palestinian question? And finally, what are the long-term implications of increasing military cooperation and nuclear collaboration between the US and Saudi Arabia for regional stability?
