Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman will visit the United States on Tuesday. Both countries want to strengthen ties in oil and security. They also plan to expand cooperation in business, technology and possibly nuclear energy.
This will be Salman’s first trip to the US in 18 years. Relations soured after Saudi agents killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in 2018. Washington later concluded that Mohammad bin Salman approved the operation.
Visit Builds on Trump’s Earlier Trip
The visit continues the momentum from US President Donald Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this year. During that visit, Trump announced a $600 billion investment pledge from Riyadh. Salman now seeks firm security guarantees as regional tensions rise. He also wants access to advanced AI technology and progress on a civilian nuclear programme.
On Monday, Trump confirmed he plans to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. When asked about it, he said, “I will say that we will be doing that.”
Oil, Defence and Technology Lead the Agenda
The US and Saudi Arabia have long relied on each other. Riyadh offered stable oil prices. Washington provided security in return.
This balance shifted in 2019. The US did not respond when Iran attacked Saudi oil facilities. Tensions rose again in September when Israel struck Doha, Qatar, in an attack it said targeted Hamas members.
After that strike, Trump signed a defence pact with Qatar by executive order. Many analysts believe Saudi Arabia could receive a similar deal.
Riyadh Pushes for Nuclear and AI Cooperation
Saudi Arabia wants deeper partnerships in nuclear energy and artificial intelligence. These efforts support its Vision 2030 plan. The plan aims to diversify the economy and strengthen the kingdom’s position in the region.
Mohammad bin Salman also wants a deal for a civilian nuclear programme. Such an agreement would give Riyadh access to US nuclear technology and stronger security guarantees. It would help Saudi Arabia match the UAE, which already has a nuclear programme, and compete with Iran.