Web Desk — November 20, 2025
Washington: In a single evening, President Donald Trump rewrote Middle East power equations: Saudi Arabia is now a “Major Non-NATO Ally,” cleared for F-35 stealth jets, 300 Abrams tanks, and a sweeping new defense pacty that stops just short of a full mutual-defense treaty.
The dramatic announcement came over steak and handshakes at a White House black-tie dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump didn’t mince words: “Iran’s nuclear sites are gone because of me — now Saudi Arabia is safer than ever, and they’re getting the best toys we’ve got.”
Key takeaways from the overnight deal:
- First-ever F-35 sale to an Arab state (up to 48 jets possible)
- $2 billion+ instant order for 300 U.S. tanks
- Nuclear energy cooperation framework (Riyadh still resists full ban on uranium enrichment)
- New AI and critical minerals partnership to counter China
- Billions in Saudi cash to offset U.S. regional military costs
The F-35 green light marks the biggest crack yet in America’s long-standing policy of preserving Israel’s “qualitative military edge” — a move that has Tel Aviv quietly fuming and Pentagon hawks warning about tech leakage to Beijing.
For Trump, it’s vintage deal-making: jobs for American workers, cash for the treasury, and a fortified anti-Iran front. For MBS, it’s the ultimate prize after years of lobbying — putting Saudi Arabia on par with Japan, South Korea and (ironically) Israel in Washington’s inner circle.
Wall Street loves it, Tehran hates it, and the region just tilted harder toward a new cold war. One dinner, one signature, one seismic shift.
