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Saudi Arabia is in negotiations with the United States over a defense agreement, aiming to finalize the deal during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit to the White House next month, according to reports from the Financial Times. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential pact, with some comparing it to the recent US-Qatar security agreement, which commits to treating any armed attack on Qatar as a threat to US national security.
A senior official from the Trump administration mentioned that there are talks about signing something during the crown prince’s visit, but the specifics are still being worked out. The FT highlighted that the proposed deal might mirror the US-Qatar arrangement, especially in the context of recent regional tensions, including Israel’s attempt last month to target Hamas leaders with an airstrike on Doha.
The U.S. State Department emphasized that security cooperation with Saudi Arabia forms a core part of its regional strategy, though it declined to comment further on the potential agreement. Neither the State Department, the White House, nor the Saudi government responded to requests for comment regarding the Financial Times report.
Last month, Saudi Arabia entered into a mutual defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan. Signed on September 17 in Riyadh, the pact signifies a notable deepening of their security relationship, following Israel’s strikes on Qatar which shifted regional diplomatic dynamics. The agreement states that any aggression against one country will be considered an attack on both, aimed at enhancing defense cooperation and strengthening mutual deterrence.
The deal was signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a ceremony that was marked by a warm welcome for Pakistan’s top officials.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump committed to treating any armed attack on Qatar as a threat to U.S. security, explicitly stating that the U.S. forces could intervene if necessary. Qatar responded positively, viewing this as a significant step in fortifying defense ties and bilateral relations. This executive order, which solidifies America’s commitment to Qatar, follows Israel’s attempt last month to eliminate Hamas leaders via airstrike on Doha—a move that caused concern in Washington due to the close U.S.-Qatar relationship, especially since Qatar hosts the largest U.S. military base in the region.
The order affirms that any armed assault on Qatar’s territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure will be seen as a threat to U.S. peace and security, with the U.S. prepared to respond using diplomatic, economic, or military measures to defend U.S. and Qatari interests and restore stability. Top U.S. defense and intelligence officials will continue contingency planning with Qatar to ensure readiness for any potential attacks.
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