US Designates Saudi Arabia Major Non-NATO Ally, Secures F-35 Deal

Saudi Arabia was designated a major non-NATO ally of the United States by President Donald Trump during a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, DC. The designation was made during a formal black-tie dinner at the White House on Tuesday evening, where the two leaders reached agreements covering arms sales, civil nuclear cooperation, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. According to Trump, the designation marked a significant step in military cooperation between the two countries, as he stated, "I'm pleased to announce that I'm taking military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally." The move is seen as a major boost to Saudi Arabia's military capabilities, particularly in the context of its ongoing conflict with Yemen. The agreements reached between the two leaders also included a deal for the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that has been met with some controversy in the United States. The F-35 is a highly advanced stealth fighter jet, and its sale to Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about the potential for the technology to be used in the conflict in Yemen. The designation of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally is seen as a significant development in the country's relationship with the United States. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to strengthen ties with key allies in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Iran. In a statement, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his gratitude for the designation, saying, "This designation is a testament to the strength of our relationship with the United States and our shared commitment to regional security." The prince also announced plans for significant investments in the United States, including a $1 trillion investment in the US economy. The designation of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally has been met with a mixed reaction from lawmakers in the United States. Some have expressed concerns about the potential for the technology to be used in the conflict in Yemen, while others have welcomed the move as a key step in strengthening ties with a key ally in the region. The sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia is expected to be finalized in the coming months, pending approval from Congress. The move is seen as a significant development in the country's military capabilities, and is likely to have a major impact on the conflict in Yemen. In a statement, a spokesperson for the US State Department said, "The designation of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally reflects our commitment to strengthening our relationship with key allies in the Middle East and promoting regional security." The spokesperson also noted that the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia was a key part of the agreements reached between the two leaders. The designation of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally is seen as a significant development in the country's relationship with the United States, and is likely to have a major impact on the conflict in Yemen. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to strengthen ties with key allies in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Iran.