The BRICS TimesCrown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House after seven years. The Saudi Prince received a military Guard of Honor. President Trump welcomed MBS with a handshake.
US Confirms F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
President Donald Trump confirmed the US will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. He stated these jets will be similar to those supplied to Israel. Saudi Arabia formally requested 48 F-35 jets. Completing this deal will end Israel’s status as the Middle East’s ‘sole operator’ of the F-35. The news of Saudi Arabia receiving F-35 jets also raises concerns for India. This concern stems from a much-discussed global defense agreement. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had previously consented to this pact.
Will Pakistan Benefit from Saudi F-35s?
This significant question arises because the defense pact treats an attack on Pakistan as an attack on Saudi Arabia. The concern is whether Pakistan could indirectly benefit from Saudi Arabia’s advanced weapons, like the F-35. The US strictly controls the export of sophisticated aircraft such as the F-35. They only provide these to trustworthy nations. Strict rules cover consent from other partner nations, security guarantees, training, and maintenance. Experts believe the US would see allowing Saudi Arabia to share F-35s, especially with Pakistan, as an extremely big risk.
Trump Calls Both ‘Close Partners’
Trump was with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the White House’s Oval Office. A reporter asked him how the F-35 decision was made. The US policy is to maintain Israel’s military advantage. Trump responded that both Israel and Saudi Arabia are ‘close partners’ of the US. He jokingly told the Crown Prince that Israel wanted Saudi Arabia to get ‘less capable jets.’ Trump added, “but I don’t think you would be happy with that.” Trump then stated, “I think both countries should get the best technology. We are going to make the deal. Saudi Arabia will buy the F-35.”
Is F-35 Deal Linked to Israel-Saudi Normalization?
Media asked Trump if the weapons deal was tied to the potential process of normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Trump avoided a direct answer. He only said, “Israel knows about the deal, and they will be very happy with it.”
MBS Gets Grand Welcome After Seven Years
This marked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s first visit to the White House in seven years. His spectacular welcome included a military Guard of Honor on the South Lawn. It also featured a 21-gun salute and a flyover by US fighter aircraft.
Saudi Investment to Increase to $1 Trillion
During the meeting, MBS announced Saudi Arabia will raise its planned investment in the US. The increase will be from $600 billion to $1 trillion. Trump immediately replied, “Good, I like that very much.” The Crown Prince was asked how such a large investment would be maintained despite low oil prices. He explained these deals, especially semiconductor investments, are part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term development plans. Trump repeated during the session that his trade policies and diplomacy blend would bring in $21 trillion in investment commitments by year’s end.
