WASHINGTON: The mega arms deal worth $142 billion between the US and Saudi Arabia has made global headlines. The deal is being seen as a diplomatic victory of the Donald Trump administration, which was announced ahead of Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia. The deal can reshape the geopolitical equations in the Middle East, especially in the context of Iran and Israel. Let us take a detailed look at the facts, implications and role of Trump in this deal.
US$142 billion arms deal: What's in it?
Recently, the US State Department approved the sale of arms worth $142 billion to Saudi Arabia. The deal includes 1000 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, 50 guidance units, technical support, training and other related equipment. It started with a $3.5 billion missile deal, which was later expanded to $142 billion. The deal was first announced on April 29, 2025, and is expected to be finalized during Trump's possible visit to Saudi Arabia in May.
Saudi Arabia, which is already highly dependent on US weapons, will further strengthen its military capability through this deal. The deal is believed to be part of the Saudi strategy to counter the Houthi rebels in Yemen and the growing influence of Iran.
Trump's diplomacy: The game behind the deal
President Donald Trump described the deal as his diplomatic success. In a post on Truth Social, he said, "We made a historic deal of $142 billion with Saudi Arabia. It is great for the US economy and jobs, as well as bring stability to the Middle East." Trump also indicated that if Saudi Arabia buys weapons from the US, he would make his first foreign visit to Riyadh.
The deal is reminiscent of the $450 billion investment and arms deal with Saudi Arabia during Trump's first term (2017), part of which included technology transfer and F-15 fighter jets. Analysts believe that the deal will not only increase Saudi Arabia's military strength, but will also help the US strengthen its strategic position in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia's stance: Security and geopolitics
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) described the deal as a symbol of strong relations with the US. According to the Saudi Press Agency, MBS spoke about finalizing the deal in a phone call with Trump. Saudi Arabia also announced that it would invest $600 billion in the US economy over the next four years, which Trump is demanding to increase to $1 trillion.
This move of Saudi Arabia is being seen as a strategy to strengthen regional security and counter Iran's nuclear program. In 2023, MBS had said that if Iran builds nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia will also be forced to do so. This deal can take Saudi Arabia one step further in this direction.
Global impact: Eye on Israel and Iran
This deal can affect the geopolitical equations in the Middle East. Trump's efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel can get a boost from this deal. Trump had established relations between Israel and many Arab countries through the Abraham Accord in his first term, but Saudi Arabia had made recognition of the Palestinian state a condition.
On the other hand, Iran has strongly opposed this deal. Iran News Agency described it as a "step to increase regional instability". This deal is considered to be part of a strategic encirclement for Iran, especially when both the US and Israel are increasing pressure on Iran's nuclear program.
Criticisms and controversies
Criticisms have also started in the US regarding this deal. Some Democrat lawmakers have raised questions about Saudi Arabia's human rights record, especially the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Biden administration had imposed a moratorium on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia in 2021, but Trump decided to lift it. Experts say the deal could further intensify the regional arms race.
Conclusion
This $142 billion arms deal is a major step towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia. The deal will affect the balance of power in the Middle East amid Trump's diplomacy and Saudi Arabia's security needs. However, its long-term effects, especially on relations with Iran and Israel, are yet to be seen.
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