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Us Saudi Relations

All articles tagged with #us saudi relations

Trump ties Saudi-Israel normalization to civil nuclear pact
world1 month ago

Trump ties Saudi-Israel normalization to civil nuclear pact

President Trump again links a Saudi civil nuclear deal to Riyadh’s normalization of ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, saying the pact can only proceed if Israel and Saudi Arabia formalize relations; the agreement, signed earlier, would span about 30 years with U.S. oversight, and Riyadh’s stance on Palestinian statehood remains a barrier—while U.S. officials insist there will be no uranium enrichment and the deal includes monitoring.

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Signals Shift Toward Fuel Enrichment
politics1 month ago

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Signals Shift Toward Fuel Enrichment

The United States and Saudi Arabia finalized a nuclear technology-sharing deal that could allow US companies to build reactors in Saudi Arabia and potentially enrich reactor fuel, marking a policy shift away from previous agreements that barred enrichment. The move has drawn concern from nonproliferation experts and some lawmakers who fear it could elevate proliferation risks and spark a regional nuclear race. The deal now goes to Congress for approval, where lawmakers would need a veto-proof majority to block it.

US-Saudi nuclear pact could enable uranium enrichment, inviting congressional scrutiny
world1 month ago

US-Saudi nuclear pact could enable uranium enrichment, inviting congressional scrutiny

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral safeguards pact that could allow Riyadh to enrich uranium for reactors, potentially laying the groundwork for a future enrichment facility after a joint study. The deal, projected to span about 30 years and involve US firms like Westinghouse, will be sent to Congress for review amid concerns over monitoring safeguards and broader regional tensions with Iran. Supporters say it strengthens nonproliferation standards and economic and security ties, while critics warn of insufficient oversight.

Iran Urges Saudi Arabia to Eject U.S. Forces After Air Base Strike
politics5 months ago

Iran Urges Saudi Arabia to Eject U.S. Forces After Air Base Strike

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Saudi Arabia to expel U.S. forces, arguing their presence offers no security after Tehran’s strike damaged a major U.S. air base in Saudi Arabia and wounded American personnel, signaling a challenge to long-running U.S.-Saudi security ties and portraying the move as opposition to “enemy aggressors.”

international-relations1 year ago

US-Saudi Security Talks Exclude Israel, Axios Reports

The United States and Saudi Arabia are in discussions about a potential security agreement that would not include Israel, according to Axios. This agreement, which is not a full defense treaty, is being pursued by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the White House with the aim of finalizing it before President Joe Biden's term ends in January.

"Saudi Arabia Joins BRICS, Signaling Shift in Global Power Dynamics"
world-news2 years ago

"Saudi Arabia Joins BRICS, Signaling Shift in Global Power Dynamics"

Saudi Arabia has officially joined the BRICS group, a move that raises questions about its implications on the ongoing peace negotiations with Israel and the potential U.S.-Saudi defense treaty. The BRICS bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has traditionally focused on economic growth among developing nations. The decision by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to align with BRICS could signal a shift in the Kingdom's geopolitical strategy.

Saudi Crown Prince MBS's Disrespectful Snub of Blinken: WaPo
international-relations2 years ago

Saudi Crown Prince MBS's Disrespectful Snub of Blinken: WaPo

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly kept US Secretary of State Antony Blinken waiting for hours for a meeting and did not show up until the next day, in a snub to the US diplomat. Blinken was seeking to persuade the Saudi ruler to condemn the Hamas terror attacks, but encountered key differences between the US and Saudi positions. The Saudi crown prince called for Israel to halt military operations and de-escalate the conflict, contrasting with the Biden administration's support for Israel's actions while calling for the protection of civilian lives. Blinken's attempts to find common ground with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also faced little success. Saudi Arabia has been a key US ally, but its ruler has sought a more independent course in recent years, including forming closer ties with China.

The lasting impact of Khashoggi's murder on Saudi Arabia's global standing
international-affairs2 years ago

The lasting impact of Khashoggi's murder on Saudi Arabia's global standing

Five years after the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has successfully rehabilitated his regime's image and strengthened his position on the global stage. Despite US intelligence officials implicating Prince Mohammed in Khashoggi's assassination, he has met with world leaders, positioned Saudi Arabia as a tourism destination, and pursued ambitious projects like the Neom city. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have prioritized short-term economic and security interests over human rights, with Biden failing to hold Prince Mohammed accountable. The crown prince has even embarrassed Biden by flexing his influence over global oil markets. As a result, Prince Mohammed has emerged more defiant and powerful than ever before.

"Growing Saudi-Israeli Relations: Closer to Normalization Every Day"
international-relations3 years ago

"Growing Saudi-Israeli Relations: Closer to Normalization Every Day"

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated in an interview with Fox News that Saudi Arabia and Israel are moving closer to normalizing ties "every day," while emphasizing that the Palestinian issue remains important. This comes after US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the issue during a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly. Both leaders acknowledged the significance of the Palestinian component in the normalization talks, with Netanyahu stating that Palestinians should be part of the process but not have a veto over it. The Biden administration believes progress on a two-state solution is crucial for the deal's success, as it would help address criticism of Saudi Arabia and gain support from progressive Democrats.

Saudi Arabia Considers Buying French Rafale Fighter Jets Amid US Tensions
defense3 years ago

Saudi Arabia Considers Buying French Rafale Fighter Jets Amid US Tensions

Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering purchasing a large number of French-made Dassault Rafale fighter jets, signaling a potential shift away from its traditional suppliers, the US and UK. The move comes amid strained US-Saudi relations and concerns over the reliability of its long-time partners. Saudi Arabia's interest in the Rafale jets may be driven by political and practical considerations, as its neighbors in the UAE and Qatar have already built up fleets of Western-made jets that include Rafales. French jets offer an attractive option due to their modernity, NATO origin, and less restrictive end-user agreements. However, pragmatic concerns, such as the extensive investment in US and British aircraft, may limit the feasibility of acquiring Rafales for the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Blinken holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince amid tensions.
politics3 years ago

Blinken holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince amid tensions.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss their "shared commitment to advance stability, security, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond," despite strained relations between the two countries. The Biden administration has clashed with Saudi Arabia over its oil supply, partnership with Russia in OPEC+, and China-mediated détente with Iran. The relationship remains due to Saudi Arabia's reliance on America as a security guarantor for the wider Middle East and shared interests in ending the kingdom's war in Yemen and striking a lasting cease-fire in Sudan. Discussions may have included human rights issues, including the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

Blinken's Saudi Arabia Visit Puts Human Rights and Strategic Cooperation in Focus.
politics3 years ago

Blinken's Saudi Arabia Visit Puts Human Rights and Strategic Cooperation in Focus.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss US-Saudi strategic cooperation on regional and global issues, economic and security cooperation, and participate in meetings of the US-Gulf Cooperation Council and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The Biden administration has sought to reengage with the kingdom despite strained relations following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The production cut announced by Saudi Arabia over the weekend was its biggest in years and will depress its output to 9 million barrels per day.