Saudis heavily invest in US arms, AI during Trump visit.

Key Points:

1. Saudi Arabia’s Lavish Welcome for Trump:

   • Saudi Arabia rolled out an extravagant welcome for President Donald Trump during his state visit, including fighter jet escorts, honor guards, and cavalry processions.

   • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged $600billionininvestments\ast \ast ,withTrumpjokinglysuggestingitshouldbe\ast \ast$1 trillion.

   • Major deals included a $142billionarmspurchase\ast \ast (thelargest-everweaponsdeal)and\ast \ast$20 billion in AI investments by Saudi firm DataVolt.

2. US-Saudi Economic & Strategic Ties:

   • Trump emphasized that the agreements would create 2 million US jobs.

   • The visit highlighted Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify from oil, expand into AI, and improve its global image post-Khashoggi.

   • The kingdom is positioning itself as a key diplomatic player, hosting US-led talks on Ukraine and Russia.

3. Trump’s Gulf Tour & Diplomatic Approach:

   • Trump’s visit to Qatar and the UAE reinforced ties with oil-rich Gulf monarchies.

   • Unlike Biden, who initially distanced himself from Saudi leadership over Khashoggi’s murder, Trump embraced Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, praising his leadership.

4. Israel-Iran Tensions & US Diplomacy:

   • Israel is threatening military action against Iran’s nuclear program, while Trump pursues diplomacy.

   • Israel opposes any deal allowing Iran to enrich uranium, fearing it could quickly develop nuclear weapons.

   • Netanyahu insists on dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, while Trump appears willing to negotiate a deal.

5. Potential Military Conflict:

   • Some Israeli officials believe now is the time to strike Iran, given its perceived military and economic weaknesses.

   • However, Israel would likely need US support to counter Iranian retaliation.

   • A rift is emerging between Trump’s diplomatic approach and Israel’s hardline stance.

Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia reaffirmed strong US-Gulf economic and military ties, with massive investment deals and arms sales boosting his “America First” agenda. Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Iran are escalating, with Israel pushing for military action while Trump seeks a diplomatic solution. The growing divide between the US and Israel over Iran’s nuclear program could strain their long-standing alliance. Ultimately, Trump’s Gulf tour underscores his preference for strongmen-led oil states over traditional Western allies, while the Iran nuclear issue remains a critical flashpoint in Middle East geopolitics.