Saudi Arabia is negotiating a Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact with the US, with Crown Prince MBS expected to visit the White House in November 2025.
Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact Talks Mirror Qatar Security Agreement
Saudi Arabia is in advanced discussions with the Trump administration for a comprehensive Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact, modeled on the landmark US-Qatar security agreement signed last month. The pact could formalize US security guarantees to the kingdom, treating any armed attack on Saudi territory as a direct threat to American interests.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is expected to visit the White House next month—his first trip to the US since 2018—to finalize the Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact, potentially opening a new chapter in military and intelligence collaboration between the two nations.
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Why Saudi Arabia Seeks a US Defense Pact Now
The Middle East has been increasingly volatile in 2025, with conflicts spreading from Gaza to Gulf states. Notably, Israeli missile strikes on September 9 targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, killing a senior Qatari official. Following this, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on September 29 guaranteeing US defense support for Qatar. Observing this, Saudi Arabia accelerated talks for a Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact, aiming to secure similar protections.
Previous negotiations—initially linked to potential Saudi-Israeli normalization under the Biden administration—stalled after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Riyadh’s urgency is underscored by events like the 2019 Iranian-backed drone and missile attack on Saudi oil facilities.
Recent Gulf Security Developments Driving US Defense Pact
| Event | Date | Key Details |
| US-Qatar Security Pact | Sep 29, 2025 | US guarantees defense response to attacks on Qatar. |
| Saudi-Pakistan Mutual Defense Pact | Sep 17, 2025 | Treats attacks on one as attacks on both; signals diversification. |
| Israeli Strikes on Qatar | Sep 9, 2025 | Targeted Hamas leaders; prompted US guarantees. |
| US-Saudi Arms Deal | May 13, 2025 | $142B agreement covering air/missile defense and maritime security. |
These events highlight why Saudi Arabia urgently seeks a Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact.
Trump Administration Supports Defense Pact
The White House has emphasized the strategic importance of the Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact. A senior Trump official confirmed that discussions are underway ahead of MBS’s November visit. The May 2025 Gulf tour laid the groundwork, securing a historic $142 billion arms deal covering air force upgrades, missile defense, and Saudi investment commitments of $600 billion in US ventures.
Experts believe the Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact could include joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and technology transfers, making it more robust than existing arrangements.
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Regional Implications of Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact
If finalized, the Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact could reshape Middle East alliances, potentially accelerating Saudi-Israeli normalization and altering Gulf power dynamics. Pakistan’s involvement adds South Asian implications, while Iran’s partnership with Russia adds complexity.
For the US, the Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact strengthens its Gulf foothold, counters China’s influence, and aligns with Trump’s “peace through strength” doctrine. Experts caution that while the pact may promote stability, it could also trigger new flashpoints in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Saudi Arabia is negotiating a Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact similar to Qatar’s.
- Crown Prince MBS is expected to visit the White House in November 2025.
- The pact could include joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and missile defense systems.
- Regional events, including Pakistan’s pact and Israeli strikes, accelerate Saudi urgency.
- The Saudi Arabia US Defense Pact may reshape Middle East alliances and regional stability.