WASHINGTON — The United States and Saudi Arabia finalized a sweeping set of agreements on Tuesday, including a long-anticipated civil nuclear energy deal, a massive F-35 fighter jet sale, and approval for nearly 300 Abrams tanks, marking one of the most significant U.S.–Saudi strategic packages in decades.
President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the White House, where both governments announced a new Strategic Defense Agreement (SDA) — a pact that expands U.S.–Saudi defense cooperation and strengthens Riyadh’s role as a key non-NATO ally.
Nuclear Energy Partnership and Major Weapons Deal
The White House said the newly signed Joint Declaration on Civil Nuclear Energy establishes the legal framework for a multi-decade partnership built on “strong non-proliferation standards.”
At the same time, Trump approved a major defense sale package that includes:
- F-35 stealth fighter jets for Saudi Arabia
- Nearly 300 Abrams tanks, manufactured by General Dynamics
- Additional classified weapons systems expected to be announced later
A senior executive at General Atomics confirmed discussions with Riyadh about selling up to 130 MQ-9B drones and 200 Gambit loyal-wingman UAVs, suggesting the SDA may open the door for further high-end technology transfers.
“The SDA is a win for the America First agenda,” the White House said. “It strengthens burden-sharing, boosts U.S. defense industry jobs, and cements Saudi Arabia’s view of the United States as its primary strategic partner.”
Israel’s QME Concerns Loom Over F-35 Approval
Under U.S. law, Washington must protect Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME) — ensuring Israel maintains superior military technology in the region.
Asked whether Saudi Arabia’s F-35s would match Israel’s F-35I model, Trump suggested minimal difference:
“I think it’s going to be pretty similar… They should get top-of-the-line.”
Israeli officials are expected to scrutinize the agreement closely.
Trump Defends MBS Over Khashoggi Killing
During the Oval Office meeting, Trump fiercely defended MBS regarding the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, disputing a 2021 U.S. intelligence report that concluded the prince ordered the killing.
“He knew nothing about it,” Trump said. “You don’t have to embarrass our guest.”
The comments sparked criticism from press freedom advocates and Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan Elatr, who wrote on X: “There is no justification to murder my husband.”
Saudi Arabia Pledges $1 Trillion Investment in the United States
At the meeting, MBS announced plans to increase Saudi investments in the U.S. to $1 trillion, nearly doubling previous commitments.
“Real investments and real opportunities,” the prince said, highlighting growing economic ties.
MBS Reaffirms Palestinian Statehood Requirement for Israel Normalization
MBS told Trump that Saudi Arabia is willing to join the Abraham Accords, but only if there is a “clear path” to a two-state solution.
“We want peace for Israelis. We want peace for Palestinians,” he said.
Saudi Arabia’s stance positions it as the most influential Arab nation yet to consider normalization with Israel — but only with concrete progress toward Palestinian sovereignty.
