Trump Says U.S. Intends to Sell F-35 Jet Fighters to Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo is scheduled to visit the White House on the same day as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Portuguese football star is reportedly being compensated significantly as part of Saudi Arabia's modernization efforts. This visit highlights the intersection of sports and diplomacy, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia's ongoing initiatives to enhance its global image and attract international investment.

Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a White House meeting, downplaying the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This meeting coincided with the announcement of a significant arms deal, including the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Trump's family has vested interests in Saudi projects, including the development of Trump Plaza in Jeddah, further complicating the political landscape surrounding U.S.-Saudi relations.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that Saudi Arabia will not normalize relations with Israel without a clear path to Palestinian statehood. He expressed interest in joining the Abraham Accords initiated by former President Trump, which aimed to establish diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The Crown Prince emphasized the importance of addressing Palestinian rights as a prerequisite for any normalization efforts.

During a White House visit, President Donald Trump downplayed the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, stating that the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was unaware of the incident. Trump characterized Khashoggi as 'extremely controversial' and unpopular. This visit marks the first time the Crown Prince has been welcomed to the White House since the murder, which has drawn international condemnation and strained U.S.-Saudi relations.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting the United States, where discussions are focused on Saudi Arabia's interest in acquiring the F-35 fighter jet. This visit marks a significant moment in U.S.-Saudi relations, particularly in the context of military cooperation and arms sales. The F-35, known for its advanced capabilities, represents a strategic enhancement for Saudi Arabia's defense forces.

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump claimed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was unaware of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This assertion contradicts a CIA assessment at the time, which indicated that the Crown Prince orchestrated the killing. Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, leading to significant backlash against Saudi Arabia and strained relations with the U.S.

As the Middle East experiences significant political shifts, US-Saudi relations are influenced by a complex mix of security ties, regional diplomacy, and personal interests. The Trump family's longstanding connections to Saudi Arabia raise questions about potential financial gains for the US president. The evolving dynamics could impact peace and stability in the region, with implications for relations with other nations like Syria and Israel.

Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico, has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion of military strikes against drug cartels in Mexico. Trump had previously indicated that the U.S. military could target cartel operations within Mexican territory as part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking. Sheinbaum's response underscores Mexico's sovereignty and the ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding security and drug-related issues.