Saudi Crown Prince Meets Trump to Discuss Defence, AI & Nuclear Deals

Washington, D.C. – Saudi Arabia’s de-facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), is set to visit the White House on Tuesday for high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting aims to deepen long-standing cooperation on oil, security, and commerce while advancing technology and nuclear energy partnerships.

This marks MBS’s first visit to the U.S. since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, an incident that sparked international outrage. U.S. intelligence concluded that MBS approved the operation, though the Crown Prince has denied direct involvement, taking responsibility instead as the Kingdom’s de facto leader.

Despite past tensions, both the United States and Saudi Arabia are eager to strengthen ties. Trump seeks to capitalize on a $600 billion Saudi investment pledge made during his May visit, emphasizing economic and strategic collaboration without focusing on human rights concerns.

Defence Deal at the Forefront

Central to the discussions is a potential defence agreement. Saudi Arabia has long relied on U.S. security guarantees in exchange for favorable oil deals. Recent regional conflicts, including Iran’s 2019 attacks on Saudi oil installations and Israel’s strike in Qatar, have intensified Riyadh’s push for robust defence assurances.

While Washington is considering a Trump executive order similar to the defence pact signed with Qatar, Saudi Arabia hopes for a more comprehensive security agreement. Experts suggest the U.S. may offer consultations, defensive weapons, or deployment of marines, but likely stop short of a full defence commitment.

Technology and Nuclear Ambitions

Beyond defence, MBS seeks advanced technology and nuclear cooperation to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. Access to cutting-edge artificial intelligence and civil nuclear technology would allow the Kingdom to diversify its economy and strengthen its regional standing, particularly against rivals Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia has rejected U.S. clauses limiting uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing, signaling its determination to pursue a nuclear program that ensures energy security and technological parity in the Gulf.

Balancing Regional Diplomacy

The talks occur amid complex geopolitical dynamics, including U.S.-Israel-Saudi relations and the Palestinian statehood debate. Riyadh links defence cooperation with Israel’s stance on Palestine, adding layers of negotiation to the White House meeting.

Analysts suggest both sides will likely secure partial victories: the U.S. may offer targeted defence support and economic cooperation, while Saudi Arabia gains concessions on technology and civil nuclear development. “This is diplomacy in motion,” said a Western diplomat. “Both nations will move forward cautiously, balancing ambition with geopolitical realities.”

The outcome of MBS’s White House visit could reshape U.S.-Saudi ties and influence broader Middle Eastern security and economic landscapes. With $600 billion in investment pledges, AI technology, and nuclear energy cooperation on the table, this meeting represents a pivotal moment in Washington-Riyadh relations.