President Donald Trump has formally designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), a move that significantly strengthens military and strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh. The announcement came Tuesday evening during a black-tie White House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), following a day of high-level meetings, ceremonial welcomes and a U.S. military flyover.
The Saudi Arabia major non-NATO ally designation marks one of the most consequential shifts in U.S.–Middle East relations in years and positions the Kingdom to access advanced American weapons, including the F-35 — a jet previously sold only to Israel in the region.
A New Strategic Defense Pact Signed in Washington
During the dinner, Trump revealed that the two leaders had signed a “historic strategic defense agreement” aimed at expanding intelligence cooperation, arms transfers and joint military planning.
He told guests he kept the announcement secret until that night, describing the strengthened alliance as a major step toward regional stability.
“A stronger and more capable alliance will advance the interests of both countries, and it will serve the highest interest of peace,” Trump said.
The White House confirmed that the pact includes plans for Saudi Arabia to buy hundreds of tanks and fighter jets, while also partnering with the U.S. on AI development and civil nuclear projects.
Saudi Arabia to Invest Nearly $1 Trillion in the U.S.
Earlier in the day, MBS pledged to increase Saudi investments in the United States from $600 billion to $1 trillion.
Crown Prince Mohammed described the moment as “a special day,” saying both nations were opening a new chapter in economic and military cooperation.
Trump also emphasized that his family has “nothing to do” with business ventures in the Kingdom, addressing questions about private financial ties.
F-35 Sale Makes Saudi Arabia the First Middle Eastern Buyer After Israel
One of the most striking developments is Trump’s approval of the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, making it the only Middle Eastern nation besides Israel with access to the stealth aircraft.
The designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally will also allow the U.S. to:
- Store American weapons in Saudi Arabia
- Expand joint military exercises
- Increase advanced arms transfers
- Permit Saudi firms to bid on Pentagon repair and maintenance contracts
- Authorize the purchase of depleted-uranium ammunition
Abraham Accords: Saudi Arabia Signals Openness — With Conditions
The Crown Prince said he wants to join the Abraham Accords, but stressed that any deal must include “a path toward a Palestinian state.” Trump said both leaders “had a very good talk” on the issue and believes Saudi Arabia will eventually sign.
Human Rights Controversy Sparks Heated Moment
The meeting briefly became tense when reporters asked about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which U.S. intelligence previously linked to MBS.
Trump pushed back forcefully, saying he believes the Crown Prince “knew nothing” about the killing, while MBS called the episode “really painful to hear.”
The exchange highlighted the long-standing human rights concerns that continue to shadow U.S.–Saudi relations.
A Pivotal Shift in U.S.–Middle East Power Dynamics
The Saudi Arabia major non-NATO ally designation signals a major realignment in U.S. foreign policy, deepening America’s military footprint in the Middle East while countering Iran’s growing influence.
With billions in arms sales ahead, a surge in Saudi investments, and renewed diplomatic interest in the Abraham Accords, the alliance is entering its most significant era since the two nations first formalized ties in 1945.
