Bin Salman secured what may be his biggest military achievement: future deliveries of F 35 fighter jets, among the most advanced stealth aircraft in the world. The US also agreed to a Strategic Defense Agreement that deepens long term cooperation, expands training, and strengthens Saudi military capabilities.
Technology was a central pillar of the reset. Saudi Arabia and the US signed an AI cooperation framework that clears the way for access to advanced chips and high powered computing systems. Saudi backed AI companies will partner with major American chip and software firms to develop new infrastructure and expand technical capabilities in the Gulf.
The deal includes a critical minerals framework, designed to support global supply chains and fuel both tech and defense industries. The two countries also advanced a civil nuclear cooperation agreement focused on peaceful energy development and long term economic diversification for the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia is also increasing its investment commitments in the US, approaching nearly one trillion dollars. This financial partnership is a foundational pillar of the reset and signals long term economic cooperation.
What Riyadh Did Not Get
Although bin Salman walked away with almost everything Saudi Arabia has been pursuing, there were two major exceptions.
First, the US did not approve domestic uranium enrichment for future Saudi nuclear plants. The kingdom views this as a sovereign right because of its large uranium reserves, but Washington continues to resist this request due to proliferation concerns.
Second, Saudi Arabia did not secure a formal, treaty level defense guarantee. The kingdom hopes for a Senate ratified commitment similar to a NATO style mutual defense agreement. Such a treaty would require congressional approval and remains politically difficult. Trump’s agreements strengthen cooperation but stop short of binding American military intervention.
This reset is not just about jets and chips. It is driven by global competition for influence. Analysts note that the US Saudi relationship is increasingly shaped by great power rivalry, especially with China. The US sees Saudi Arabia as an important player in technology, energy, and supply chain resilience.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia has been developing ties with other major powers. It has strengthened relations with China, brokered regional diplomacy, and signed a new defense agreement with Pakistan. These moves signal that Riyadh wants strategic flexibility. The reset with Washington gives the kingdom leverage while balancing multiple global partnerships.
European allies may be uneasy with the speed and scale of these new agreements. But for Saudi Arabia, this diversification strategy fits into its broader goal of securing autonomy, attracting investment, and accelerating economic transformation under Vision 2030.
Human rights advocates question the willingness of the US administration to overlook the controversies surrounding the crown prince. Others worry that high end weapons and advanced chips could shift regional power dynamics in unpredictable ways.
There are also political concerns. Without a formal defense treaty, Saudi Arabia may still believe the US could shift its stance in a future administration. And critics fear that transferring sensitive technology might create longer term security risks.
The Trump Saudi deal reset marks a turning point in the partnership between Washington and Riyadh. Mohammed bin Salman secured nearly all of his top priorities, from stealth jets to AI chips to critical minerals agreements. What he did not obtain, including domestic uranium enrichment and a formal defense pact, may resurface in future negotiations.
This reset demonstrates Trump’s willingness to prioritize strategic and economic cooperation while moving past old tensions. For Saudi Arabia, it is a major diplomatic victory and a step toward a more independent, multi aligned foreign policy.
