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MBS Visits White House as Trump Backs F-35 Sale in U.S.–Saudi Reset

The reception signals a U.S.–Saudi rapprochement centered on a prospective F-35 offer, with broader strategic talks in play.

Overview

  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met President Donald Trump at the White House in his first visit since Jamal Khashoggi’s 2018 killing.
  • Trump said the United States intends to offer F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a step that would require further approvals and has previously been limited in the region to Israel.
  • Talks are exploring a security agreement, possible civil nuclear cooperation, and U.S. efforts to encourage Saudi normalization with Israel.
  • Human Rights Watch and other organizations called on Washington to confront Riyadh over executions and broader repression during the visit.
  • Khashoggi’s widow described the meeting as painful and urged that the murder be raised, while Saudi officials continue to reject allegations of state responsibility.