US President Trump Holds First Call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Amid Middle East Developments

Washington, D.C.: In his first official call with a foreign leader since assuming office for a second term, US President Donald Trump spoke with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The conversation signals the continuation of strong ties between Washington and Riyadh amid ongoing complexities in the Middle East.

The Saudi Crown Prince congratulated President Trump on his return to office, conveying best wishes on behalf of King Salman and the Saudi people. The leaders discussed strategies to bolster peace, security, and stability in the region while exploring opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism.

Focus on Regional Stability and Cooperation

The discussion comes at a pivotal moment, with a recently brokered hostage-and-ceasefire deal raising hopes for further normalization of relations between Israel and its neighboring countries. Trump and Prince Mohammed highlighted their shared commitment to fostering regional stability and enhancing collaboration to address security challenges.

According to a statement released by the Saudi official news agency, both leaders emphasized the importance of aligning efforts to combat terrorism and ensure sustained peace in the Middle East.

Economic Partnerships and Investments

Economic cooperation was a key focus during the call. Prince Mohammed expressed Saudi Arabia’s desire to expand investments in the United States, pledging $600 billion over the next four years, with the potential for additional growth if new opportunities emerge. Trump reportedly welcomed the Kingdom’s commitment, reaffirming his administration’s openness to strengthening trade and investment ties.

This reflects Trump’s broader approach to fostering economic partnerships, as seen during his first presidency, when Saudi Arabia was the first foreign country he visited. At the time, Riyadh committed to significant investments in the US, a precedent that appears to continue under Trump’s renewed leadership.

Strategic Defense Agreements

The call also touched on potential defense agreements. Saudi Arabia is reportedly pursuing a massive defense deal with the US, which could include security guarantees in the event of external threats. Such agreements would align with Trump’s focus on advancing common interests while securing economic and strategic benefits for the United States.

Context and Challenges

While the relationship between Trump and Prince Mohammed has been marked by close collaboration, it has not been without controversy. US intelligence agencies previously implicated the Crown Prince in the 2018 killing of American journalist Jamal Khashoggi, straining Saudi Arabia’s global reputation. However, the Trump administration maintained strong ties with Riyadh throughout his first term, driven by shared economic and strategic interests.

No White House Readout Yet

As of now, the White House has not released its official readout of the call. However, the Saudi government’s statement underscores the significance of this first interaction between the two leaders, setting the tone for future relations.

Looking Ahead

President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appear poised to deepen their partnership in addressing key regional and global issues. With ambitious investment pledges and the potential for landmark defense agreements, the coming months are expected to solidify ties between the two nations while addressing critical challenges in the Middle East.