Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) met with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on May 19 to discuss strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States, as well as the ongoing Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the discussions covered the enhancement of strategic ties and the finalization of draft strategic agreements between the two nations. These agreements include a potential defense pact that would allow for a Saudi nuclear program, access to advanced weaponry, and US assistance in the event of an attack on Saudi Arabia, in exchange for Saudi normalization with Israel.
The talks also addressed the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the need for a credible pathway towards a two-state solution that respects the aspirations and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. MbS and Sullivan discussed the latest developments in Gaza, stressing the importance of halting the conflict and facilitating humanitarian aid.
Prior to the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, which followed a significant Palestinian resistance operation, the US and Saudi Arabia were in advanced talks regarding the defense pact. In the weeks leading up to the conflict, MbS had indicated that Saudi Arabia was moving closer to normalizing relations with Israel.
