Washington’s decision to designate Saudi Arabia as a “Major Non-NATO Ally” (MNNA) has already made headlines, but much of its deeper geopolitical logic remains underreported. With Riyadh now joining the exclusive MNNA club, the Middle East’s diplomatic landscape is being redrawn in real time.

The designation signals not only enhanced military cooperation but also an implicit recognition of Saudi Arabia’s centrality in Washington’s current regional calculus, which has shifted dramatically under Trump. One may recall that Qatar has similarly been elevated in importance, for Washington under the same administration. As I’ve noted, Washington sees Doha as uniquely positioned to mediate between rival factions, maintain lines of communication with actors deemed untouchable for others, and — crucially — offer leverage over both energy markets and political negotiations. Qatar’s hosting of various diplomatic channels, its LNG leverage, and its balancing act between Iran and the Gulf monarchies are all assets.

For the US, If Qatar provided the “indirect” leverage, Riyadh offers the “direct” one. The two together are forming a dual system of influence. The MNNA designation in any case tilts the fulcrum significantly in the Saudis’ direction.

Back in May, I argued that Trump was — surprisingly enough — marginally reducing Israel’s dominance over Washington’s regional decision-making: by distributing Washington’s diplomatic........

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