Saudi Arabia declared major non-NATO ally by Trump

The United States formally granted Saudi Arabia the status of a “major non-NATO ally,” a designation that elevates its strategic military and economic relationship with Washington. 

Trump announced the move directly: “Tonight, I’m pleased to announce that we’re taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which is something that is very important to them.” 

He explained that the designation had been kept under wraps until that moment at the Saudi crown prince’s request. 

This status, currently held by fewer than 20 countries, including allies in the Middle East such as Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, grants Riyadh enhanced privileges with the US military framework but does not commit Washington to a Nato-style security guarantee. 

As part of the broader agenda, a Strategic Defense Agreement between the two countries was signed, aimed at strengthening deterrence in the Middle East, easing operations by US defence firms in Saudi territory, and securing increased Saudi burden-sharing of US military costs. 

Among the initiatives announced: potential delivery of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a major policy shift given that until now only Israel had received such aircraft in the region, and a Saudi agreement to purchase 300 American tanks. 

On the economic front, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman pledged to ramp up US investment in his country, raising his previous target from $600 billion to $1 trillion, though a timetable was not provided. 

He characterized the moment as a “special day” for US-Saudi cooperation, citing nearly nine decades of partnership and emphasizing the widening horizon of economic and defense ties. 

While observers note that the agreement falls short of the full treaty that Riyadh initially sought, the designation signals a significant deepening of US-Saudi partnership at a pivotal moment in Middle East geopolitics.