F-35s, $1 trillion investment and non-Nato ally status: 10 takeaways from US–Saudi summit

Dubai: US President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House in a meeting marked by lavish ceremony, sweeping economic announcements and a show of warm personal chemistry.

In a surprise move at the gala dinner in the evening, Trump said he was designating Saudi Arabia as one of just 20 major non-NATO allies around the world. “I’m just telling you now for the first time, because they wanted to keep a little secret for tonight,” he said.

Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays in Saudi Arabia, was among the guests at the meal. So was billionaire Elon Musk, in a sign that the billionaire has mended ties with Trump after his tempestuous spell in the president’s administration.

Earlier Trump, 79, pulled out all the stops to impress Prince Mohammed, 40, giving him a flyby featuring the coveted, US-made F-35 stealth fighters, and thundering cannon fire.

The flattery continued inside the Oval Office, as Trump called the Saudi a “very good friend” and hailed him as being “incredible, in terms of human rights, and everything else.”

From F-35 jets to a trillion-dollar investment pledge, here are the 10 biggest takeaways:

1. Trump finalises F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia — with reassurances to Israel

Trump confirmed approval for selling F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, saying Israel’s qualitative military edge would be protected. Israeli officials have signalled they will accept the deal if Saudi Arabia normalises ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

2. Mohammed bin Salman reiterates conditions for joining the Abraham Accords

Riyadh says it will sign onto the accords only if there is a credible, guaranteed path to Palestinian statehood.

“We want to be part of the Abraham Accords… but we want a clear path to a two-state solution,” Mohammed bin Salman said.

3. A broader US–Saudi defence and nuclear pact is on the way

Trump said the US and Saudi Arabia would finalise a comprehensive military and security agreement during the visit and proceed with a civilian nuclear deal, despite quiet concerns in Israel and parts of Washington.

4. Trump designates Saudi Arabia a major non-Nato ally

At the state dinner, Trump granted Saudi Arabia Major Non-Nato Ally status — a symbolic but strategically valuable designation that speeds up access to US military equipment, financing, and joint research programmes.

5. Riyadh to buy nearly 300 US tanks

The two countries signed a significant defence deal for Saudi Arabia to purchase almost 300 American-made tanks, further deepening military cooperation.

6. Khashoggi killing pushed aside as Trump defends Mohammed Bin Salman

It was Mohammed Bin Salman’s first White House visit since the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

Trump brushed aside questions, calling Khashoggi “extremely controversial,” saying “things happen,” and insisting MBS “knew nothing about it.”

Mohammed bin Salman called the incident a “huge mistake” and said internal reforms had been made.

7. Trump praises Saudi human rights progress

Trump commended Mohammed bin Salman for “incredible” improvements in human rights — without citing specifics — likely referring to social reforms such as women driving and new entertainment freedoms.

8. Red carpet, flypast and bromance optics

The White House staged one of the grandest receptions of Trump’s presidency:

• Red carpet

• Military band

• Honour guard on horseback

• Fighter-jet flyover

Trump embraced the prince, criticised Biden’s old fist-bump, and said:

“When you meet one of the most respected men in the world, you shake his hand. Trump doesn’t give fist bumps.”

The evening dinner featured Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Tim Cook, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bryson DeChambeau.

9. Saudi investment pledge rockets to $1 trillion

Mohammed bin Salman told Trump that Saudi Arabia would increase its US investment commitment from $600 billion to $1 trillion, focusing on AI, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and technology. Exact details remain to be released.

10. Mohammed Bin Salman frames 9/11 as a plot to fracture US–Saudi ties

Mohammed bin Salman said Osama bin Laden intentionally used Saudi operatives to damage US–Saudi relations.

“Anyone who says otherwise is helping his objective,” he said.

Trump also announced a new US–Saudi artificial intelligence agreement, ending tense negotiations over advanced chip access.

-- WIth AP inputs