Overview
- President Donald Trump said Monday, “We will sell F-35s,” ahead of his White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- Saudi officials are set to discuss advanced defense purchases, U.S. security guarantees, investment plans including a previously touted $600 billion pledge, and civilian nuclear cooperation.
- Israeli officials have reportedly urged Washington to condition any advanced arms sale on a normalization agreement with Riyadh, according to Axios and Israeli media reports.
- Project leaders say the Trump Organization is negotiating a Trump-branded development in Diriyah, and public filings show Saudi-linked firm Dar Global paid the company $21.9 million in licensing fees last year, prompting conflict-of-interest scrutiny.
- Human-rights groups are pressing the U.S. to address abuses tied to Saudi authorities, citing the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi as the crown prince makes his first U.S. trip since the murder.