The visit builds on Trump’s May 2025 trip to Riyadh, during which he praised Saudi economic reforms and signaled openness to deeper defense and technology partnerships. White House officials expect major agreements on security, energy, and investment, positioning Saudi Arabia as a pivotal partner in Trump’s Middle East policy.

F-35 Jet Deal Back on the Table

Riyadh will press for approval to buy F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, a deal previously frozen under the Biden administration.

Trump has indicated readiness to move forward, calling it “a boost for American industry.” Analysts warn, however, that the sale—worth several billion dollars—could erode Israel’s qualitative military edge, long protected under U.S. law.

Proposed U.S.–Saudi Defense Pact

Both sides are drafting a defense accord modeled on the 2014 U.S.–Qatar Defense Cooperation Agreement, providing mutual security guarantees and expanded U.S. basing rights.

Officials said the deal could be signed during the visit, formalizing a NATO-like framework in the Gulf. Supporters view it as a deterrent against Iran and Houthi attacks, while critics caution it may deepen U.S. entanglement in regional conflicts.

Civil Nuclear Program and Technology Transfers

MBS is expected to seek a Section 123 civil nuclear agreement, enabling U.S. firms to participate in Saudi Arabia’s “peaceful” nuclear energy initiative.

Riyadh’s request includes limited uranium enrichment rights, which Washington has resisted. Trump has signaled willingness to revisit these terms, arguing the program supports Saudi diversification under Vision 2030, though proliferation concerns remain unresolved.

Beyond Defense: AI, Trade, and Investment

Talks will also address artificial intelligence cooperation, infrastructure projects, and energy diversification. Joint investments could total tens of billions of dollars, according to Saudi sources.

Trump has tied these to his “America First” agenda, emphasizing economic reciprocity and private-sector participation.

Normalization and Regional Politics

While Trump is eager to advance Saudi–Israeli normalization under the Abraham Accords, MBS has insisted that progress depends on a path toward Palestinian statehood, making a breakthrough unlikely this round.

The summit’s timing—just weeks after a Gaza ceasefire—adds diplomatic sensitivity but underscores Trump’s aim to reassert U.S. influence in post-war negotiations.