Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) is preparing for a crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House this Tuesday. In a surprising move, a letter arrived on Monday from Iran, sent by President Masoud Pagehskian, considered America's foe.
This interesting piece of information was shared by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), though they haven't disclosed the letter's content or its link to MBS's visit.
The contents of the Iranian letter remain undisclosed, but its timing has piqued curiosity and raised questions.
On the eve of meeting MBS, Trump made a major announcement, proclaiming that the US will provide Saudi Arabia with the prestigious F-35 fighter jets. Speaking with journalists, Trump stated, 'We are set to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.' Saudi has requested 48 fighter jets.
The F-35 is lauded as the world's most remarkable fighter jet. The US had promised its close ally, Israel, not to sell such defense assets to any Arab nation that might grant them superiority over Israel. Yet, Saudi Arabia is about to become the first Arab nation to receive this distinguished jet from the US.
However, experts believe the US likely took Israel into confidence before making this move, possibly offering them another advanced weapon.
This trip by the Crown Prince marks the first official US visit following the controversy surrounding Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi's murder in 2018. Khashoggi's assassination drew widespread criticism of Saudi Arabia. US intelligence reports accused MBS of authorizing Khashoggi’s capture and killing.
The Crown Prince has denied ordering the operation, though he acknowledges the responsibility falls on him as Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler.
This tension led to significant strain between the Saudi government and then-President Joe Biden's administration. However, relations are easing since Trump's return to power in January 2025.
In May, Trump visited Saudi Arabia where a $600 billion investment promise was made in the US. During his Saudi visit, MBS refrained from raising human rights issues, a trend expected to continue in current discussions.
Amid regional turmoil, MBS is keen on securing U.S. guarantees for safety and progressing deals on AI technology and civilian nuclear programs.
A well-established agreement exists between the US and Saudi Arabia: Saudi provides oil at concessional rates in exchange for US security. This arrangement faltered in 2019 when Iranian-backed Houthi rebels attacked Saudi oil facilities, and America did not retaliate.
Saudi concerns were reignited this September when Israel launched an attack on Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas militant members.
Following this, Trump issued an executive order signing a defense pact with Qatar. Analysts, diplomats, and regional authorities believe a similar US defense deal might emerge for Saudi Arabia.
