Overview
- President Trump said he intends to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a platform currently unique in the region to Israel.
- U.S. and Saudi officials are moving to sign a civil nuclear cooperation framework during the visit, signaling deeper technology ties.
- Israel is pressing Washington to condition any F-35 transfer on Saudi recognition of Israel, a step the kingdom links to concrete Palestinian statehood advances.
- Saudi negotiators seek durable U.S. defense guarantees and access to advanced chips and artificial intelligence, with Washington expected to demand safeguards against Chinese access.
- The high-level diplomacy coincides with private business links, including a new Dar Global partnership with the Trump Organization and ongoing ties between Jared Kushner’s investment firm and Saudi entities.