Saudi Arabia is reportedly engaged in high-level discussions with the United States to finalise a defence pact that could be signed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit to the White House next month, according to a report by the Financial Times.
Citing individuals familiar with the matter, the report states that both sides are exploring the terms of the agreement, though the details remain under discussion. A senior Trump administration official told the Financial Times that “there are discussions about signing something when the crown prince comes, but the details are in flux.”
The proposed arrangement is said to resemble the US-Qatar defence pact, which ensures that any armed attack on Qatar would be considered a threat to the United States. That agreement was signed following heightened regional tensions after Israel’s air strike attempt on Hamas leaders in Doha last month.
The US State Department confirmed ongoing talks but refrained from providing specifics. In a statement to the Financial Times, the department said, “Defence cooperation with the kingdom is a strong bedrock of our regional strategy,” emphasizing Washington’s commitment to maintaining stability and security in the Middle East.
Neither the White House, the Saudi government, nor the State Department provided additional comments to Reuters, which also reported on the FT story.
Analysts view the potential defence pact as part of a broader US strategy to deepen regional alliances, counter Iran’s influence, and strengthen ties with Gulf allies amid the shifting geopolitical landscape.
For Saudi Arabia, the agreement represents a long-standing ambition to secure defence guarantees from Washington similar to those extended to Qatar. It also aligns with Riyadh’s recent diplomatic efforts to normalize relations with Israel, a process that has gained momentum under U.S. mediation.
Last month, Saudi Arabia took a major step in strengthening its defence partnerships by signing a mutual defence agreement with Pakistan, a move viewed as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s strategy to diversify the kingdom’s security and diplomatic alliances.
If finalized, the proposed U.S.-Saudi defence pact could mark a new era in bilateral relations, reinforcing Riyadh’s role as a key strategic partner for Washington in the region. It may also influence future negotiations involving Israel and other Middle Eastern states as part of broader efforts toward regional security cooperation.