Saudi Arabia Seeks Defence Pact with US Amid Security Talks

Weeks after the United States signed a security pact with Qatar, Saudi Arabia is seeking a similar agreement with Washington. The Saudi Crown Prince is expected to visit the US capital next month to advance discussions on a defence and security deal. Sources report that the pact could strengthen military and intelligence cooperation between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia has long sought a formal defence pact with the United States. Negotiations with the Biden administration had been ongoing for years, particularly as an alternative to joining the Abraham Accords. However, talks were paused following the Hamas attacks on October 7. The Kingdom now prefers to pursue a standalone security agreement rather than tie the deal to normalization with Israel, which remains contingent on Palestinian statehood.

According to unnamed sources cited by the Financial Times, discussions are focused on signing a robust deal when the Crown Prince arrives in Washington. A senior Trump administration official confirmed that talks are ongoing, though details remain unsettled. Experts suggest that the new pact could be more comprehensive than existing agreements, enhancing both military and intelligence collaboration.

The agreement could be formalized either through a bilateral treaty or an executive order. Analysts note that following the executive order with Qatar, similar progress on Saudi-US defence matters is anticipated. The discussions indicate Washington’s interest in maintaining regional security partnerships and supporting the Kingdom’s defence needs.

The US and Saudi Arabia maintain a close relationship, with the Kingdom being one of the largest buyers of American weapons. Beyond defence, economic connections are significant. Jared Kushner, former White House advisor and Trump’s son-in-law, has business links with Saudi Arabia, including investments in Electronic Arts via the Public Investment Fund and Affinity Partners, highlighting broader economic collaboration alongside security considerations.

While the talks show promise, finalizing the pact is not guaranteed. Experts caution that complex political and regional dynamics could influence the timing and terms of the agreement. Ultimately, the decision rests on US leadership, with the hope that the deal will enhance mutual security interests and strengthen regional stability.