### Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Historic Return to the White House: A New Chapter in U.S.-Saudi Relations - The visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) to the White House marks a significant moment in U.S.-Saudi relations, especially following the fallout from the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which implicated MbS. - President Donald Trump is set to host this meeting with all the ceremonial grandeur of a state visit, reflecting a strategic pivot in U.S. foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of the crown prince in Middle Eastern geopolitics and arms deals, particularly regarding F-35 fighter jets [https://apnews.com/article/trump-saudi-crown-prince-mbs-505b32527e58d4bd49d5bc917efb4936]. ### Structure of the Response: Key Segments of the Meeting 1. **Historical Context**: The backdrop of the meeting is the 2018 Khashoggi incident, which strained U.S.-Saudi relations. However, the current administration views MbS as crucial for future Middle Eastern stability [https://time.com/7334666/trump-mbs-saudi-crown-prince-f-35-fighter-jets-white-house-visit]. 2. **Meeting Agenda**: Discussions are expected to focus on arms sales, nuclear cooperation, and diplomatic efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, particularly in the context of the Abraham Accords [https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025/11/17/trump-to-welcome-saudi-crown-prince-to-white-house-as-ties-deepen]. 3. **Ceremonial Aspects**: The White House is preparing for a lavish welcome, including an arrival ceremony and a formal dinner, underscoring the importance of this visit despite it not being an official state visit [https://fortune.com/2025/11/14/white-house-saudi-arabia-mbs-visit-bin-salman-trump]. 4. **Strategic Implications**: The meeting signifies a restoration of MbS's clout on the global stage, as the U.S. seeks to reinforce its alliances in the Middle East amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics [https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/usa/saudi-prince-restores-clout-first-white-house-trip-khashoggi-crisis-1287646]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Metrics**: - **Arms Sales**: The U.S. is looking to finalize deals for F-35 fighter jets, which could significantly enhance Saudi military capabilities [https://time.com/7334666/trump-mbs-saudi-crown-prince-f-35-fighter-jets-white-house-visit]. - **Diplomatic Relations**: The U.S. aims to facilitate Saudi Arabia's normalization of relations with Israel, a move that could reshape Middle Eastern alliances [https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025/11/17/trump-to-welcome-saudi-crown-prince-to-white-house-as-ties-deepen]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment in U.S.-Saudi Relations 1. **Restoration of Ties**: The meeting between Trump and MbS represents a significant thaw in relations that had been strained since the Khashoggi incident, highlighting the U.S.'s strategic interests in the region. 2. **Focus on Cooperation**: The agenda emphasizes military and diplomatic cooperation, particularly in arms sales and Middle Eastern diplomacy, which are seen as vital for U.S. interests [https://apnews.com/article/trump-saudi-crown-prince-mbs-505b32527e58d4bd49d5bc917efb4936]. 3. **Long-term Implications**: This visit could set the stage for a new era of U.S.-Saudi relations, with potential long-term impacts on regional stability and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East [https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/usa/saudi-prince-restores-clout-first-white-house-trip-khashoggi-crisis-1287646].