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U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that Washington is formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, marking a significant upgrade in military cooperation as he hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a formal dinner at the White House.
Trump said the designation was “very important” for the kingdom, adding that the announcement was being made for the first time during the event.
He also confirmed that the two sides signed a “historic strategic defense agreement” earlier in the day.
Major non-NATO ally status gives countries access to specific defense trade and security privileges, including opportunities for joint research and development with the Pentagon and priority access to U.S. military equipment, training and loans.
Current major non-NATO allies include Bahrain, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Pakistan, Qatar, South Korea and Tunisia.
The designation does not provide a security guarantee, and it remains unclear whether the new agreement includes any commitment for U.S. defense of Saudi territory.
The White House did not comment on whether deterrence provisions extend to such guarantees.
During the dinner, Trump highlighted Saudi Arabia’s planned $1 trillion investment in the United States and thanked MBS for the commitment.
He also noted that the kingdom will purchase around $140 billion in U.S. weapons, ammunition and defense services, describing the deals as crucial for American jobs and security cooperation.
Trump said the agreements would make “both countries safer” and strengthen the kingdom’s role as “a foundational force for stability and security in the Middle East.”
MBS expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral relations and thanked Trump for the hospitality, saying the two nations had signed several agreements that expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
Trump also referenced the recently achieved ceasefire in Gaza, crediting regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, for contributing to efforts that he said brought “the war” to an end.
He stated that rebuilding in Gaza would proceed with support from states involved in the ceasefire process.
Referring to the U.N. Security Council decision enabling the creation of a “Peace Council” for Gaza, Trump said the development took decades to reach and described regional reactions as “a miracle.”
He added that Palestinians in Gaza were returning to their homes and “feeling safer than ever before.”
MBS emphasized ongoing cooperation and said Saudi Arabia and the United States share a broad economic vision, with room for further expansion. “We feel at home here,” he said.
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