US Formally Designates Saudi Arabia as Major Non-NATO Ally
Washington, The Gulf Observer: President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), marking a significant elevation in bilateral defense and strategic ties.
The declaration came shortly after Trump held talks at the White House with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who pledged to increase Saudi investments in the United States from $600 billion to $1 trillion.
Trump said the move would “deepen military cooperation and strengthen one of Washington’s closest partnerships in the Middle East,” describing the designation as a milestone in bilateral relations.
During a dinner held in honor of the Crown Prince, Trump revealed — as he put it — a “little secret” he had saved for the evening, announcing the MNNA designation publicly for the first time.
The President also confirmed that the United States will proceed with the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, which would make the Kingdom the first country in the Middle East, after Israel, to acquire the advanced fifth-generation aircraft.
“A stronger and more capable alliance will advance the interests of both countries, and it will serve the highest interest of peace,” Trump said, underscoring Washington’s view of Saudi Arabia as a central partner in regional stability.
The White House also confirmed that the two sides signed a “historic strategic defense agreement” earlier in the day, further solidifying cooperation in defense, security, and shared strategic objectives.
The developments mark one of the most significant upgrades in US-Saudi relations in recent years, reflecting both countries’ intention to broaden economic, military, and geopolitical coordination.
