Mohammed bin Salman at the White House—this is more than a diplomatic visit—it is a statement. For the first time since the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi (which US intelligence concluded MBS likely authorised), the Kingdom’s de-facto ruler returns to Washington.

In that sense, the trip is two-fold: reconciliation and realignment. The US-Saudi relationship, strained by human rights issues and regional tensions, is being reset. The optics are clear: Riyadh re-enters the Washington corridor as a partner, not a pariah.

Yet, beneath the surface lie tensions and questions: How much has really changed? Is this a rehabilitation of MBS, or just a strategic convenience? That ambiguity will colour much of what follows.

THE F-35 DEAL: STRATEGIC WINDFALL OR SECURITY GAMBLE?

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing element of this visit is the announcement by Donald Trump that the US intends to sell the advanced F-35 Lightning II fighters to Saudi Arabia.

From a purely transactional perspective, it is a big deal:

• Saudi Arabia reportedly wants up to 48 of these jets.

• For the US, it deepens defence ties with a major arms client and signals a renewed emphasis on the Gulf amid China’s growing presence.

• For Riyadh, it’s about prestige, deterrence (especially vis-à-vis Iran) and the sense of being a major global player.

But the deal is not without its red flags:

• US national-security officials warn that transferring such advanced tech risks exposure to China, especially given Saudi-China cooperation.

• Israel remains worried about its qualitative military edge; until now, it has been the only Middle Eastern country with F-35s.

• Congressional scrutiny will be heavy, given human-rights concerns and the precedents this sets.

In short: this is a strategic leap—but also a risk.

THE BROADER AGENDA: AI, NUCLEAR, NORMALISATION

Beyond fighter jets, this White House visit will likely focus on a trio of converging ambitions:

• Artificial Intelligence & Investment: Washington........

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