Source: Responsible Statecraft
by Christopher Preble & Will Smith
“The United States and Saudi Arabia are reportedly in talks over a pledge ‘similar to [the] recent security agreement the United States made with Qatar,’ with a ‘Qatar-plus’ security commitment expected to be announced during a visit to the White House by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) on November 18. Together, these developments suggest a troubling belief that handing out security guarantees is a quick, cost-free way to reassure anxious partners and ensure their alignment with U.S. priorities. That belief is mistaken. A U.S.–Saudi defense pact would be unnecessary, risky, and unlikely to achieve its unclear aims. Rather than revive the misguided Biden administration initiative, the Trump administration should shelve the idea once and for all.” (11/11/25)
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/trump-saudi-arabia-security-pact/