Trump to Host Saudi Crown Prince With Focus on Defense Sales and Major Business Deals

Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to welcome Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, in a high-profile visit aimed at advancing proposed sales of F-35 fighter jets and securing a series of major commercial agreements between the two countries.

The meeting marks a renewed phase in bilateral engagement after years of strained ties.

It will be the crown prince’s first visit to the United States since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an incident that caused intense global scrutiny.

Since then, diplomatic relations have gradually stabilized, setting the stage for a more pragmatic and cooperation-focused agenda.

U.S. intelligence assessments previously linked the crown prince to approving the operation against Khashoggi, though he denied issuing any such directive.

His arrival in Washington signals a continued shift toward partnership, especially in areas involving defense, technology, and investment.

During his full day of White House engagements, the crown prince is scheduled for Oval Office talks, a working lunch, and a formal black-tie dinner.
The discussions are expected to revolve around strategic cooperation, long-term investment, and regional stability.

Trump is expected to highlight a previously pledged Saudi investment figure of approximately $600 billion, made during his visit to Riyadh in May.

A senior U.S. official said that multiple agreements across technology, manufacturing, defense, and energy are likely to be announced.

The potential sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia is set to dominate the agenda, representing what would be the first U.S. transfer of the advanced aircraft to the kingdom.

Trump told reporters that the United States “will be selling” the jets, reflecting confidence that negotiations are close to completion.

Such a sale would represent a significant policy shift and could reshape the military landscape in the Middle East.

Israel currently remains the only country in the region with F-35 capability, based on long-standing U.S. commitments to preserving its strategic military advantage.

Beyond defense, the crown prince is expected to seek enhanced security guarantees, access to artificial intelligence cooperation, and progress on a civilian nuclear energy framework.

These areas reflect Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to modernize and diversify its technological and energy sectors.

A senior U.S. official emphasized that the kingdom is poised to commit substantial financial resources in various U.S.-based projects.
The official noted that investments are expected to touch sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to next-generation technologies.

Another key element of the visit relates to U.S. efforts to limit China’s influence in the Middle East. Former U.S. negotiator Dennis Ross said the administration aims to strengthen U.S.–Saudi ties to ensure cooperation in critical areas such as security, finance, energy, and AI.

Trump is also likely to encourage Saudi Arabia to take a step toward joining the Abraham Accords, the regional normalization agreements launched during his first term. The accords currently include Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and, more recently, Kazakhstan.

However, Saudi Arabia has maintained that a clear pathway to Palestinian statehood remains essential before taking any formal step toward normalization with Israel. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has further complicated the diplomatic environment.

Trump continues to regard Saudi participation as central to expanding the reach and impact of the Abraham Accords across the region.
He views Saudi involvement as a potential anchor for broader stability and long-term regional cooperation.

As the visit unfolds, both sides are expected to underscore shared strategic interests while signaling readiness for deeper economic and security partnerships. The outcomes of the discussions may shape the trajectory of U.S.–Saudi engagement for years to come.