• Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia will focus on defense cooperation, including a $3.5 billion missile sale.
• The summit with Gulf leaders will emphasize investment, defense, and technology partnerships.
• Saudi Arabia insists on avoiding discussions about Israeli normalization due to regional sensitivities.

President Donald Trump is set to visit Saudi Arabia soon. This visit follows the approval of a $3.5 billion weapons sale to the kingdom, which includes 1,000 advanced missiles. This sale signals the growing ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. It will be Trump’s first foreign trip since returning to the White House, except for a brief visit to Rome. The trip shows the administration’s focus on strengthening relations with Gulf allies.

Arms Deal and Defense Cooperation

The U.S. has approved a major arms deal with Saudi Arabia. The sale includes advanced missiles and will boost Saudi Arabia’s defense. The Saudi Air Force, with the second-largest fleet of F-15 jets in the world, will benefit from this upgrade. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency says the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and security goals by enhancing Saudi defense capabilities. This arms deal is just one of several announcements expected during Trump’s visit.

Summit with Gulf Cooperation Council Leaders

Trump’s visit will include a summit with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This group includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. The summit will focus on investment opportunities, defense cooperation, and technological partnerships. Trump is expected to highlight the importance of artificial intelligence in these discussions. The summit will take place on May 14 and will be the only part of Trump’s trip focused on regional matters.

No Israel Visit or Discussion on Normalization

Trump does not plan to visit Israel during this trip. This is a more cautious approach, given the region’s sensitivities. A major topic, normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel, will not be discussed. Trump’s first term saw strong support for this idea, but Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it’s not on the agenda. Saudi officials fear that any mention of Israeli ties could cause diplomatic issues, especially after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israeli actions in Gaza.

Saudi-Israeli Relations and the Two-State Solution

The question of Saudi-Israeli normalization has become more complicated. The Biden administration’s push for normalization through the Abraham Accords has stalled. While the U.S. has agreed to several Saudi demands, Riyadh continues to insist that Israel commit to a two-state solution before diplomatic normalization can occur. This issue remains a significant obstacle in the region.

Saudi Leadership and U.S. Relations

Saudi Arabia values its relationship with the U.S., especially for security and investment. Despite global changes, Riyadh continues to see the U.S. as a reliable partner. The Saudi leadership traditionally prefers Republican administrations, which they believe align better with their defense and economic priorities. This preference continues even as there is more scrutiny from parts of the U.S. Congress.

Trump’s First Term and Strong Ties with Saudi Arabia

During his first term, Trump showed strong support for Saudi Arabia. He made Riyadh his first foreign destination in 2017. This visit led to major arms deals and helped solidify the relationship between Saudi leaders and Trump’s team. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, played a key role in strengthening these ties. However, in his second term, Trump has shifted his focus from Kushner to real estate magnate Steve Witkoff, who now acts as an unofficial envoy to Saudi Arabia.

Congressional Backlash and Support for Gulf Monarchies

Trump has faced some backlash from Congress, particularly over the Yemen war and the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite this, Trump has continued to support the Gulf monarchies. He has approved a sale of armed drones to Qatar as part of his broader efforts to strengthen ties across the Gulf Cooperation Council.