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Leaked documents reveal Boris Johnson lobbied Saudi officials on behalf of private firms in 2024, raising questions about potential breaches of lobbying rules and conflicts of interest. The revelations highlight Johnson's post-office activities and contacts with Gulf states, prompting calls for scrutiny.
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Several high-profile comedians, including Louis CK and Bill Burr, are performing at the Riyadh comedy festival, despite criticism over Saudi Arabia's human rights record. The festival, backed by the Saudi government, raises questions about ethics, free speech, and the country's image. The story highlights the tension between financial gain and moral considerations.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Washington from November 17-19, his first US trip since 2018. Discussions with President Trump will focus on political, economic, and security issues, including potential normalization with Israel and a US-Saudi security pact. The visit follows a fragile Gaza ceasefire brokered by Trump and his recent Gulf tour.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an £8bn agreement with Turkey for 20 Typhoon fighter jets, marking the largest UK fighter jet order in nearly two decades. The deal supports thousands of British jobs, boosts NATO cooperation, and concludes long-running negotiations, with deliveries expected from 2030. Critics highlight human rights concerns in Turkey.
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On November 18, 2025, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met President Donald Trump at the White House to advance a U.S.-Saudi defense pact, including arms sales like F-35 jets, and discuss economic cooperation. Saudi Arabia remains firm that normalization with Israel hinges on a credible, time-bound pathway to Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia are restoring commercial ties after years of strain.
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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.
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The US reaffirmed plans to sell up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia amid regional tensions and concerns over technology security. The deal, announced during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington, raises questions about regional military balance and Israel's qualitative military edge.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress, citing her desire to avoid a Trump-backed primary and potential impeachment battles. The move follows her feud with Trump and reflects ongoing political shifts within the Republican Party ahead of next year's elections.
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The US has agreed to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in regional military dynamics. Israel, the only Middle Eastern country with F-35s, opposes the sale, fearing it will erode its military edge. The deal is linked to broader regional diplomacy and US-Saudi relations.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with former President Trump, highlighting enduring strategic interests despite past controversies. The meeting signals continued close ties, with MBS positioning himself as a regional peacemaker and reformer, amid ongoing regional conflicts and economic challenges.
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On November 19, 2025, President Donald Trump announced plans to intervene in Sudan's civil war following a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has killed over 40,000 and displaced more than 14 million. Trump committed to working with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and other Middle Eastern partners to end atrocities and stabilize Sudan.
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Cristiano Ronaldo visited the White House on Nov 19, 2025, as part of US efforts to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia. The visit coincides with Prince Mohammed bin Salman's first US trip since 2018 and US arms sales to Riyadh. Ronaldo's presence highlights Saudi's growing influence in sports and geopolitics.
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President Trump hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, featuring a lavish welcome and discussions on military, economic, and regional issues. The visit included plans for significant Saudi investments in the US, sale of F-35 jets, and efforts to normalize relations with Israel, amid ongoing concerns over human rights and regional stability.
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President Biden hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, marking his first visit since 2018. The event reignited debate over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with U.S. intelligence concluding bin Salman approved the operation, though he denied involvement. Biden's stance and the visit's implications remain contentious.
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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced a $1 trillion US investment, but the kingdom's Public Investment Fund faces cash shortages due to costly, delayed projects like Neom and others, raising questions about the country's economic ambitions.