Saudi Arabia's Big Wins and Misses with Trump

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had a successful visit to the White House, securing most of his demands from President Trump. The US and Saudi Arabia made big deals on defense, trade, and technology, showcasing the Crown Prince's growing power.

Key Achievements

• Major Non-NATO Ally Status: The US designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally.
• Advanced Military Sales: The US agreed to sell advanced jets to Saudi Arabia.
• Strategic Partnerships: Both countries agreed to collaborate on AI, critical minerals, and nuclear energy.
• Dropped Demand: The US dropped its demand for full normalization with Israel, a significant win for Saudi Arabia.

What Saudi Arabia Didn't Get

• Uranium Enrichment: The US refused to allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically, fearing nuclear weapons development.
• Formal Defense Commitment: Saudi Arabia did not secure a formal defense pact from the US, leaving it vulnerable to threats from China and Russia.

Saudi Arabia's Broader Strategy

Saudi Arabia is diversifying its alliances, working with China and Pakistan for security. This concerns the US, but some US politicians see value in Saudi Arabia aligning more with the US than China.

The US-Saudi Relationship: A Shift in Focus

The US-Saudi relationship is now more about competing with China than making peace with Israel. Saudi Arabia remains a key partner for the US in this strategic competition.

Despite securing major gains, the Crown Prince still seeks greater security guarantees from the US.