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Donald Trump received Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) on Tuesday with full protocol honors, marking his first visit to Washington since 2018.

The U.S. president and the de facto leader of the Saudi kingdom made multiple announcements during a joint press conference, covering massive investments, the sale of advanced weaponry, and cooperation on major diplomatic issues, notably the recognition of Israel.

A Welcome Fit for a Head of State

Mohammed bin Salman was welcomed with an exceptional display: artillery salutes, American and Saudi flags draped on official buildings, and a flyover of the White House by the U.S. military upon his arrival.

A formal evening dinner was held in his honor, bringing together 120 guests, including 30 members of the Saudi delegation. While not a state dinner, it marked the first official dinner hosted by Donald Trump during his second term in honor of a head of state.

For the U.S. president, it was about “paying tribute” to this key regional ally, reflecting the close rapport between the two leaders.

Massive Investments

During the press conference, Mohammed bin Salman announced an increase in Saudi investments in the United States, rising from the $600 billion announced in May to nearly $1 trillion.

“We believe in America’s future. We will raise this $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion,” MBS said from the Oval Office, a move praised by Donald Trump.

These investments are expected to focus on artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and other strategic projects, strengthening bilateral economic ties.

F-35 Sales and Military Cooperation

Donald Trump confirmed that the United States would sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, similar to those supplied to Israel.

“In my view, both should receive the best [F-35s],” the president said, describing Israel and Saudi Arabia as “great allies.”

A bilateral defense agreement was also signed. The kingdom additionally seeks sophisticated U.S. chips, strictly regulated for export, to support its artificial intelligence projects. Washington is expected to limit China’s access to these sensitive technologies.

Recognition of Israel and Abraham Accords

MBS stated he wants to work toward recognizing Israel “as soon as possible”, seeking to join the Abraham Accords.

“We want to ensure the path toward a two-state solution is clearly laid out,” he said, adding that he had a “constructive discussion” with Donald Trump.

However, the war in the Gaza Strip and the lack of progress toward a Palestinian state make the prospect uncertain. On Monday, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution referencing “a credible path toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

The Khashoggi Case

The Crown Prince acknowledged that the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was an “enormous mistake”, assuring that his kingdom is doing “its best to ensure it does not happen again.”

Trump, for his part, described Khashoggi as “very controversial” and said “many people did not like this man,” emphasizing that the prince “knew nothing about it.”

Regional Diplomacy and Iran

Trump said he is “fully open” to reaching an agreement with Iran, stating that Tehran is “keen” to negotiate with the United States over the nuclear issue.

The president also praised Saudi Arabia for its role in the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year, noting that Riyadh allowed the U.S. to carry out the operation.

Bilateral Relations and Family Ties

Bilateral relations are also reinforced by family and business connections. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and informal Middle East mediator, maintains ties with Riyadh through his investments.

Additionally, Saudi developer Dar Global announced a partnership with the Trump Organization, run by the president’s sons.

A Strategic Visit

Mohammed bin Salman has de facto ruled Saudi Arabia since 2017, though his father, King Salman, remains the official sovereign.

This visit, marked by exceptional honors, a formal dinner, and a joint press conference, reflects a shared intention to strengthen economic, military, and diplomatic ties, while attempting to create conditions for lasting peace in the Middle East.