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Trump Welcomes Saudi Crown Prince, Backs F-35 Sale and Civil Nuclear Framework

Saudi-Israeli normalization remains unresolved pending movement on Palestinian statehood.

Overview

  • Mohammed bin Salman pledged to lift Saudi investment in the United States to about $1 trillion during his White House visit.
  • President Trump said he intends to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a capability currently fielded in the region only by Israel.
  • The United States and Saudi Arabia announced a framework for civil nuclear cooperation as part of their deepening ties.
  • MBS called the 2018 Jamal Khashoggi killing a huge mistake, while Trump defended the crown prince and described Khashoggi as extremely controversial, drawing fresh criticism from rights advocates.
  • Prospects for Saudi recognition of Israel remain contingent on progress toward a Palestinian state, as Israeli leaders resist such steps and U.S.–Saudi dealings draw scrutiny over Trump family business links to Saudi entities.