What's happened
On November 18, 2025, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made his first U.S. visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite U.S. intelligence linking the prince to the murder, President Trump warmly welcomed him, announcing plans to sell F-35 jets and pursue economic and defense deals, while pressing for Saudi-Israel normalization.
What's behind the headline?
Diplomatic Rehabilitation and Strategic Calculations
The visit marks a significant diplomatic rehabilitation for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was widely shunned internationally after the 2018 Khashoggi murder. Despite U.S. intelligence assessments implicating him, President Trump has chosen to treat MBS as a key strategic partner rather than a pariah. This reflects a prioritization of economic and geopolitical interests over human rights concerns.
Economic and Military Deals as Leverage
Trump's announcement to sell F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia signals a major policy shift, potentially altering the military balance in the Middle East and challenging Israel's qualitative military edge. The $600 billion Saudi investment pledge and cooperation on AI and civilian nuclear programs underscore Riyadh's ambitions to diversify its economy and strengthen ties with the U.S.
The Israel Normalization Dilemma
Trump is pressing MBS to join the Abraham Accords, aiming to expand Middle East peace efforts. However, Saudi Arabia conditions normalization on progress toward Palestinian statehood, a stance complicated by Israel's opposition and the ongoing Gaza conflict. This impasse suggests normalization is unlikely in the near term, though it remains a strategic U.S. objective.
Human Rights and Political Repression Overlooked
Human rights groups highlight ongoing repression in Saudi Arabia, including arrests and executions. The warm U.S. reception and lack of accountability for Khashoggi's murder risk undermining international human rights norms. Hanan Khashoggi's calls for compensation and the return of her husband's remains spotlight unresolved grievances.
Forecast and Implications
This visit will likely deepen U.S.-Saudi economic and security cooperation, binding Riyadh closer to Washington and away from Chinese influence. However, it risks alienating human rights advocates and complicating U.S. relations with Israel and Palestinian stakeholders. The visit sets a precedent for realpolitik-driven diplomacy where strategic interests eclipse ethical considerations.
What the papers say
Sky News highlights Hanan Khashoggi's emotional plea for compensation and the return of Jamal Khashoggi's remains, criticizing President Trump's defense of the crown prince as "extremely controversial." The New York Times' Katie Rogers notes Trump's intention to sell F-35 jets despite Pentagon concerns, framing the visit as a diplomatic turnaround for MBS. Reuters and The Times of Israel emphasize the $600 billion Saudi investment pledge and the expected U.S.-Saudi deals on technology, defense, and AI, while also discussing the delicate push for Saudi normalization with Israel. AP News and The Independent provide context on the long-standing U.S.-Saudi security arrangement and the challenges posed by regional conflicts and human rights issues. The NY Post and The Independent detail Saudi demands for security guarantees and nuclear cooperation, alongside the political complexities surrounding Palestinian statehood and Israeli opposition. Collectively, these sources reveal a multifaceted narrative: a strategic U.S.-Saudi rapprochement driven by economic and security interests, overshadowed by unresolved human rights controversies and regional diplomatic challenges.
How we got here
Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, has not visited the U.S. since 2018 when Saudi agents killed critic Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. U.S. intelligence concluded the prince approved the operation. Relations cooled but have since warmed, with Trump prioritizing ties and Saudi pledging $600 billion in U.S. investments.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of selling F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia?
- How is the US balancing human rights concerns with strategic interests?
- What progress has been made on Saudi-Israel normalization?
Common question
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Why Is MBS Returning to the US Now?
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is making a rare visit to the US after several years. This move raises many questions about his motives, the implications for US-Saudi relations, and regional stability. People are curious about what this visit means for diplomacy, security, and economic ties between the two nations. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding MBS's return and what it could signal for the future.
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What’s Next in Global Conflict and Diplomacy?
As tensions rise around the world, understanding the latest developments is crucial. From Middle East clashes to regional sabotage and shifting political landscapes, these events could shape the future of international relations. Curious about what’s happening and what it means? Here are the key questions and answers to keep you informed.
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Why Did MBS Visit the US Now After Khashoggi's Death?
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to the US has raised many questions, especially given the controversy surrounding the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite ongoing human rights concerns, MBS’s trip signals a strategic shift in US-Saudi relations. People are wondering why now, what this means for diplomacy, and how it impacts regional stability. Below, we explore the key questions about this high-stakes visit and its implications.
More on these topics
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Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, colloquially known as MBS, is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He is currently serving as the country's deputy prime minister and is also Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs, Chairman of
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Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was a Saudi Arabian dissident, author, columnist for The Washington Post, and a general manager and editor-in-chief of Al-Arab News Channel who was assassinated at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018 by agents of the Sa
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The White House is the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., it has served as the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800 when the national...