Breaking News: The United States has officially named Saudi Arabia a Major Non-NATO Ally, a title that only 19 other countries in the world have. This big announcement came during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House. The move is part of a new and much stronger partnership between the two countries, as highlighted in many Daily news highlights.
President Donald Trump said this special status will make it easier for the US to share military technology with Saudi Arabia, increase security cooperation, and show the world that the two countries have a close and powerful relationship.
Trump said during a dinner with the Crown Prince, “We are taking our military cooperation to new heights.”
A Visit Filled With Ceremony and Big Promises
Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a warm welcome in Washington DC. His arrival included:
- A military honor guard
- A cannon salute
- A fly-past of US F-35 and F-16 fighter jets
- A grand welcome ceremony
This visit showed that the US-Saudi relationship, which had cooled during the Biden era, is now fully reset. Trump called Saudi Arabia “a great ally,” and the Crown Prince replied that there was “no limit” to how much business and cooperation could grow between both nations.
During their meeting:
- Prince Mohammed increased his investment pledge in the US from $600 billion to $1 trillion
- Trump highlighted new deals on nuclear energy and critical minerals
- Both sides reinforced cooperation in technology, especially AI technology, as Saudi Arabia aims to become a global leader in artificial intelligence
Historic Defence Agreement Signed — Middle East Update
The White House announced a major new deal—the US-Saudi Strategic Defence Agreement. This agreement:
- Strengthens the 80-year military partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia
- Makes it easier for American defense companies to work inside Saudi Arabia
- Improves regional security in the Middle East
- Supports efforts to deter threats in the region
Trump also confirmed that the US will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This is a major shift because for decades the US avoided sending its top weapons to Arab nations to protect Israel’s military edge.
Sub-points on the defense deal:
- Analysts say this move could raise concerns in Israel
- Saudi Arabia wants to become a regional superpower
- Some experts say the deal gives Saudi Arabia military power equal to Israel
- The weapons sale is expected to reshape the region’s military balance
New Deals in Energy, Minerals, and AI Technology
The US and Saudi Arabia also signed several new agreements that will impact the global economy:
1. Nuclear Energy Cooperation
- A “decades-long” partnership
- Strict safety and non-proliferation standards
- Support for Saudi Arabia’s clean-energy goals
2. Critical Minerals Agreement
- Helps both nations secure mineral supply chains
- Protects the US from depending on rival countries
- Builds on similar deals Trump signed with other global partners
3. Artificial Intelligence Partnership
- Saudi Arabia will access advanced US AI systems
- The deal protects American technology from foreign misuse
- Supports Saudi Arabia’s dream of becoming an AI hub
4. Treasury and Financial Agreements
- Both countries will work together in the IMF, World Bank, and G20
- Plans to improve financial markets and capital flow
- Strengthen long-term economic cooperation
Abraham Accords: A Key Goal but No Breakthrough Yet
Trump hopes that Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords, the peace deals he created to normalise relations between Israel and Arab nations. If Saudi Arabia joins:
- Israel will gain stronger political and economic links in the region
- The Middle East could see historic changes
- It would be one of Trump’s biggest foreign-policy achievements
However, the Saudi Crown Prince made it clear that normalisation depends on progress toward a two-state solution for Palestinians. He said:
“We want good relations with all countries in the Middle East, and we want to join the Abraham Accords. But we need a clear path for a two-state solution.”
Khashoggi Question Asked — Trump Responds
A question about the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was raised. Trump rejected claims against the Crown Prince and described Khashoggi as a controversial figure. Prince Mohammed said the incident was “painful” and explained that Saudi Arabia conducted its own investigation and took legal action.
