By: Jason D. Greenblatt, former White House Middle East envoy during the first administration of US President Donald Trump / Newsweek
Translation: Telegrafi.com
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) upcoming visit to the White House is more than a diplomatic event - it is a defining moment for US-Saudi relations and the future of the Middle East.
At a time of global tension and regional uncertainty, this meeting reaffirms the essential alliance for America, for Israel, for our regional partners, and for a more stable and prosperous world.
At the heart of this relationship is a simple truth: The United States and Saudi Arabia need each other. In a region threatened by Iranian regime aggression, terrorism, and instability in countries like Syria and Lebanon, America’s strength depends on capable and like-minded partners. Saudi Arabia has long been one of the United States’ most important allies. A strong U.S.-Saudi Arabia defense partnership helps deter hostile actors, protect maritime trade routes, and secure the global energy resources that sustain the world economy.
Together, the two countries defend the Red Sea and the Arabian (Persian) Gulf, counter drone and missile attacks by Iranian-backed militias, and help prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. A formal defense pact—linking American technology and intelligence with Saudi resources and influence—would strengthen this cooperation in the long term. It would show that Riyadh is willing to share the burden of regional security and that Washington remains a reliable ally.
To understand the importance of this alliance, one must understand the crown prince himself. Under MBS’s leadership, the kingdom has undertaken one of the most ambitious transformations in modern history. His initiative, “Vision 2030,” aims to diversify the economy beyond oil, foster entrepreneurship, expand tourism, and make Saudi Arabia a global hub for investment and innovation — and, by most indicators, it is achieving impressive success.
Culturally, MBS has taken bold steps to open up Saudi society. Women have entered the workforce at record levels. The once-powerful religious police have been curtailed. Concerts, cinemas and cultural festivals - once unthinkable - are now part of everyday life. The kingdom is no longer just a global energy supplier, but has become a hub of creativity, technology, opportunity and, increasingly, tourism.
For the United States, these reforms matter. A modern, self-confident Saudi Arabia—one that invests in its people, embraces innovation, and takes responsibility for its own security—is a partner with whom America can build. MBS is not simply leading his country into the future; he is reshaping the region in ways that align with American interests and shared values of progress and sustainability, while honoring Saudi Arabia’s cultural and religious identity.
This transformation extends to the economy. The recently announced $600 billion package in investment and trade is a giant leap. For the United States, this means much more than just numbers on a balance sheet—it means new jobs, expanded markets for American technology and defense, and a stronger industrial base. Saudi investment in American infrastructure, energy, and innovation reflects confidence in the U.S. economy and the recognition that shared prosperity strengthens shared security.
For Saudi Arabia, these partnerships accelerate diversification and modernization. For the United States, they anchor a vital alliance in tangible benefits for American workers and companies. Stronger economic ties create closer geopolitical relationships.
That’s why the proposed defense pact is so important. It’s not just about deterring adversaries; it ensures that American expertise and innovation remain at the center of the region’s security architecture. It preserves allies’ interoperability, strengthens the deterrent against the Iranian regime, and reassures partners—from Israel to the Persian Gulf—that America remains fully engaged.
For Israel, a confident and visionary Saudi Arabia is particularly significant. It reduces tensions and paves the way for deeper cooperation in the areas of intelligence, missile defense, and maritime security. For the rest of the region, it helps maintain balance and continue diplomatic and economic progress. When the U.S.-Saudi partnership is strong, the entire region benefits.
This stability matters beyond the Middle East. When the region experiences crises, Americans feel it — in fuel prices, in supply chain disruptions, and throughout the global economy. A stable partnership with Saudi Arabia means fewer crises, fewer conflict hotspots, and more predictability in an uncertain world.
Then there is the diplomatic horizon – the long-held goal of normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The kingdom has made clear that progress toward Palestinian statehood must be part of any agreement. This path will be extremely difficult, especially after Hamas’s atrocities on October 7 and the tragic aftermath that followed. However, history shows that breakthroughs often come from bold leadership and creative diplomacy.
Given the right conditions—and under the leadership of a visionary and determined American president like President Donald Trump—progress is possible. Even partial steps toward normalization could reshape the political map of the region, bolster moderate forces, and open new paths to peace. A Saudi-Israeli understanding, starting with gradual steps, would not only transform relations between the two great nations, but would also bring new hope to the Palestinians and greater stability to Lebanon, Syria, and beyond.
This visit to the White House is not just a photo opportunity - it is a moment with a clear purpose. It is an opportunity to renew the partnership that has served both countries well for decades and to reinvent it for a new era.
Saudi Arabia, under MBS, is a nation on the move – investing, reforming and taking on global responsibilities. The defense pact, broad investment commitments and ongoing social transformation point to a future where Saudi Arabia remains a reliable ally at the heart of a vital region – and a partner ready to help shape a safer and more prosperous world.
Under the leadership of President Trump and the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the horizon for peace and progress in the Middle East has rarely been more promising. The challenges are great - but so is the opportunity. When leadership and courage come together, even the most complex problems can pave the way for a better future. /Telegraph/
