Summary
- Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sign a $142bn (£107bn) defence agreement
- During a speech on stage in Riyadh, the US president calls the Saudi crown prince “an incredible man”, adding the US-Saudi bond is “more powerful than ever”
- He also announces he is lifting sanctions on Syria
- Trump is on the first leg of a major diplomatic four-day tour to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
- Earlier, Trump was joined by Elon Musk and other business leaders at a lavish lunch in Riyadh
- Trump’s itinerary notably does not include Israel
US-Saudi arms deal a measure of changing relationship
What the White House calls “the largest defence sales agreement in history” is also a measure of the changing relationship between Washington and Riyadh.
Weapons deals have long been part of this strategic partnership. But in 2021 the Biden’s administration stopped the sale of offensive weapons over Riyadh’s role in the destructive war unleashed in neighbouring Yemen.
This alliance had already been strained by the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi; a US intelligence report later found that the killing was approved by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which he denied.
Relations slowly improved even under President Biden who, as a presidential candidate in 2019, had vowed to turn the kingdom into a pariah state. The sale of offensive weapons was resumed last year.
And there was a push to finalise a defence pact which included a normalisation of relations between the kingdom and Israel.
That’s not on the agenda now as the Gaza war grinds on.
But today President Trump was overhead saying to the crown prince: “I really believe we like each other a lot.”
Five key takeaways from Trump’s speech in Riyadh
After speaking for almost an hour, Trump has now wrapped up his remarks – the first public comments we’ve heard from him since he arrived in Riyadh earlier today.
Here’s what he said:
- The US president announced he was removing sanctions from Syria, in order to give the country “a chance at greatness”
- He also said he wanted to strike a deal with Iran, but warned the country’s leaders that if they reject his “olive branch” he would “inflict massive, maximum pressure” and “drive” Tehran’s oil exports to zero
- Trump said he hoped Saudi Arabia would join the Abraham Accords – the deals he brokered between Israel and other Gulf countries during his first administration
- The US and Saudi are taking steps today to make their relationship “more powerful than ever before”, Trump said, following the signing of a $142bn arms deal
- Addressing the Israel-Gaza war, he said the people of Gaza “deserve a much better future”, but added that cannot happen as long as their leaders “choose to kidnap, torture and target” innocent people
Trump pushes for ‘golden age of the Middle East’
“Together we have made unprecedented strides and tremendous progress,” Trump says, adding that “the dawn of the bright new day” awaits the people of the Middle East.
“For the first time in a thousand years the world will look at this region not as a place of turmoil, strife, war and death but as a land of opportunity and hope,” he continues.
Trump goes on to say that his administration has launched the “golden age of America” and, with the help of the people of the Middle East, the “golden age of Middle East can proceed right alongside us”.
“We will work together, we will succeed together, win together and we will always be friends,” he says.
Wrapping up his speech, Trump thanks Mohammed bin Salman – which receives a standing ovation – saying “we are with you all the way”.
The president shakes hands with the crown prince on stage as the song YMCA blares through the auditorium.
Trump says people of Gaza ‘deserve better future’
Continuing, Trump moves his focus to the Israel-Gaza war, and mentions the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander yesterday.
He says “all civilised people must condemn the October 7 atrocities against Israel”, claiming it would never had happened had he been president at the time.
“The people of Gaza deserve a much better future,” he says – a line which gets applause in the room.
But he adds that cannot occur “as long as their leaders choose to kidnap, torture and target innocent men, women and children for political ends”.
‘I will never hesitate to… defend our allies’, Trump says
Before that announcement was made, the US president was talking about the US’s defence capabilities.
He says his administration is in the process of getting a budget of $1tn (£0.75tn) approved, and that his country’s military is the most powerful it has ever been, and they are getting “the greatest missiles, the greatest weapons”.
“I will never hesitate to wield American power to defend the US or to help defend our allies,” he says, pointing to the Saudi crown prince.
Trump adds that the US has recently launched strikes on the Houthis, following attacks on American ships and navigation in the Red Sea.
“We hit them hard…then we got out”.
That speech has now finished, but we’ve still got a few more lines to catch you up on, so stick with us.
Trump says he will remove sanctions on Syria
Donald Trump announces that he’s removing sanctions from Syria, in order to give the country “a chance at greatness”.
We’ll bring you more on this shortly.
US ‘working relentlessly to end bloodshed in Ukraine’
On to the war in Ukraine, Trump says “young beautiful souls” are losing their lives.
He says his team have been “working relentlessly to end the bloodshed” and mentions that talks are being held in Turkey later this week “probably on Thursday”.
The president doesn’t confirm whether he’ll attend, despite being invited by Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky.
Again, Trump repeats his long-standing claim that neither the war in Ukraine, or Hamas’s 7 October attacks on Israel would have happened if he was president.
He then takes the opportunity to thank Saudi Arabia for facilitating talks on Ukraine.
“If we get that settled we’ll pay a special tribute to what you’ve done”, he says.
‘I want to make a deal with Iran’, Trump says
Trump begins criticising Iran, accusing it of trying to tear down the region and funding bloodshed abroad.
But, the president says, he is not here “merely to condemn the past chaos of Iran’s leaders”, but to offer them a “new path, and a much better path” towards a “more hopeful future”.
“I want to make a deal with Iran. If I can make a deal with Iran I will be very happy,” Trump says.
He says that if Iran’s leadership rejects this “olive branch” and “continues to attack their neighbours then we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure”, and drive Iranian oil exports to zero.
President’s comments on accords met with conspicuous silence
Donald Trump speaks of his fervent hope that Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords, the deals he brokered between Israel and other Gulf countries during his first administration.
Before the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, Saudi Arabia seemed poised to join.
But that prospect has receded as a result of Israel’s assault on Gaza, with Saudi Arabia saying normalisation with Israel cannot happen unless the war ends and progress is made towards the establishment of the Palestinian state.
Trump did not directly address any of this, saying only that Saudi Arabia would “do it in your own time.”
In a speech peppered by applause, as Trump heaped praise on his hosts – and himself – this passage was met with conspicuous silence.
Trump’s ‘dream’ that Saudi Arabia signs the Abraham Accords
The US president continues to talk about a variety of topics – ranging from the football World Cup to Saudi Arabia’s skyscrapers.
He again spends a while praising Saudi leadership, before observing how “peace” is returning to the Gulf and praising the Abraham Accords, which were signed when he was last in office.
It’s his “dream”, Trump adds, that Saudi Arabia will become a signatory to the accords too.
The president then attacks his predecessor Joe Biden’s administration on his engagement with the accords, and suggests it “spurned” the US’s partnership with its Gulf partners.
Addressing the crown prince directly now, Trump says: “I like him a lot”, to applause.
“I like him too much, that’s why we give so much.”
‘You have done some job’ – Trump praises Saudi crown prince
Trump says that eight years ago he stood in the same room and looked forward to a future in which the region would drive the forces of terrorism and extremism “right out of existence”.
He compliments the crown prince, telling Mohammed bin Salman: “You have done some job”.
Over the past eight years Saudi Arabia has “proved the critics totally wrong”, he says.
President mentions arms deal with Saudi Arabia
The US president again mentions the agreement signed with Saudi Arabia, and says the Saudis are purchasing $142bn (£107bn) worth of American-made military equipment.
He then returns to talking about the US, saying “there’s no better place to make a future, make a fortune.”
Trump says wealth is ‘pouring into America’
Trump says that his administration has just reached two “historic” trade deals – calling both “outstanding”.
Firstly, he mentions the deal on tariffs with the United Kingdom. Then, he says the US has reached a “breakthrough agreement” with China.
The president adds that his teams have to “get the little details down”, but that China has agreed to “open up” to the US for trade “and everything else”.
Trump then moves on to domestic measures, and once again praises the strength of the US economy as he weaves through his record in office so far.
“From the moment we started we’ve seen wealth that has poured – and is pouring – into America”, he suggests.
‘We are rocking’ – Trump praises his administration’s work
The US president touts his administration’s record, to applause from those in the room.
He speaks at some length on this, touching on immigration, recruitment to the US armed forces, and other policy areas.
“We are rocking, the United States is the hottest country – with the exception of your country – I have to say, right?” he says, to big applause.
The temperature has been above 40C at times today in Riyadh.
US-Saudi relationship ‘more powerful than ever before’, says Trump
“Today we take the next steps to make our relationship closer, stronger and more powerful than ever before,” Trump says.
The president emphasises: “It is more powerful than ever before.”
“And it will remain that way,” he adds, saying the US doesn’t go “in and out like other people” – it’s not clear what he is referencing here.
Trump says US-Saudi relationship ‘bedrock of security and prosperity’
Trump continues to praise the warmth he has been shown in Saudi Arabia.
He says he has never forgotten the hospitality shown to him by the “great man” King Salman on a visit eight years ago.
Trump adds that this visit marks 80 years of partnership between the two countries, and that the US-Saudi relationship has been a “bedrock of security and prosperity”.
Bin Salman is an ‘incredible man’, Trump says
Trump takes the stage and stands there as the song God Bless the US plays.
The US president starts by saying that Saudi Arabia is a “great place” and has “great people”.
He then thanks the crown prince, describing him as an “incredible man”.
Crown prince says Saudi Arabia will ‘continue to build’ with US
Mohammed bin Salman continues, saying that he is confident that Saudi Arabia will “continue to build” with the US, based on the partnership between the two countries.
He says their joint action is not limited to the economy but extends towards bringing about security, stability and peace in the region and the world.
Agreement could rise to $1tn, MBS says
The crown prince mentions the $600bn (£453bn) agreement signed earlier today between the US and Saudi Arabia.
He suggests that this will rise to be worth $1tn in the coming months.
Mohammed bin Salman then lists some aspects of the agreement, which include military and technological elements – and says this will help grow jobs in the kingdom.
US and Saudi Arabia have ‘deep economic relations’ – crown prince
First up is Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He says “our two friendly countries have deep economic relations” and that they meet today to deepen that partnership.
“Joint investments were one of the most important pillars of our economic relationship,” he says.
Trump to speak after signing economic agreement
Donald Trump has just stepped on stage at the Saudi-US investment forum in Riyadh.
He is set to make a leadership address alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
You’ll be able to follow along by pressing watch live at the top of the page, and we’ll bring you all the key lines here.
Saudi minister thanks Musk for ‘joining hands’ with the kingdom
While the crowds at the Saudi-US investment forum were waiting for Donald Trump to arrive, his adviser Elon Musk had a brief talk on stage with Saudi Arabian minister Abdullah Alswaha.
Musk was clapped onto the stage, where he spoke about his business exploits and philosophy of “curiosity”, before he was thanked by his counterpart.
“With the intelligence age, we could not be more appreciative of having a lifetime partner and a friend like you Elon to the kingdom,” Alswaha said.
“Joining hands on X AI, Starlink and Tesla… we look forward to continuing the partnership.”
Trump arrives at US-Saudi Investment Forum
Donald Trump’s motorcade has just pulled up at the venue for the US-Saudi investment summit, where he was greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Trump is due to speak at the event, though it’s not clear at what time. We’ll update you when we know more.
It’s politically important for Trump to finalise economic deals with the Saudis
It’s politically important for Trump to finalise economic deals with the Saudis
Donald Trump wants to focus on striking financial deals during his Middle East trip, rather than trying to negotiate any major diplomatic agreements.
That’s why he has brought many of America’s top business leaders with him as well as some cabinet members. But he will not be able to avoid some of the most difficult global problems.
The war in Gaza will inevitably arise in discussions. The US president wants to persuade Saudi Arabia to normalise relations with Israel – that would be a big diplomatic prize for him – but will not happen without a resolution to the conflict.
Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to begin later this week in Turkey, and President Trump has said he may fly on there if his presence “would be helpful”.
And the US is currently engaged in talks with Iran aimed at preventing the development of nuclear weapons.
For a president who promised that he would put “America First” and concentrate on issues at home – not abroad – that is a significant to-do list of foreign affairs.
That’s why it is politically important for Donald Trump to finalise some big economic deals that will bring inward investment to the United States and deliver, he hopes, jobs and prosperity for his voters.
Trump due to speak at Saudi-US Investment Forum
We’re still unpacking this deal between the US and Saudi Arabia – but we’re also waiting to hear from the US president, who is due to speak at the Saudi-US Investment Forum.
That’s currently taking place in a conference centre in Riyadh, hosting major Saudi and American investors for talks and meetings.
On the event programme, Donald Trump is listed as giving a “leadership address” alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman at around 17:05 local time (15:05 BST).
Clearly that’s now been delayed – but we’ll bring you the latest as and when that happens.
AI, gas turbines and planes – the other deals agreed in Saudi Arabia
The White House has released more detail about what else is included in the deals signed in Saudi Arabia:
- The White House says Saudi Arabia has made a $600bn (£453bn) “commitment to invest in the United States”
- There’s $20bn in Saudi investment in artificial intelligence data centres around the US
- A commitment from US technology firms to invest $80bn in “cutting-edge transformative technologies in both countries”
- US exports of gas turbines and energy solutions worth $14.2bn, as well as Boeing 737-8 passenger aircraft worth $4.8bn
- Cooperation agreements between the two countries’ energy and mining sectors
What’s in the US-Saudi arms deal?
We can bring you more detail now on what the White House is calling the “largest defence sales agreement in history” – nearly $142bn (£107bn).
In a White House press release, the US says the arms sales cover five categories:
- Air force advancement and space capabilities
- Air and missile defence
- Maritime and coastal security
- Border security and land forces modernisation
- Information and communication systems upgrades
The package also includes “extensive training and support to build the capacity of the Saudi armed forces, including enhancement of Saudi service academies and military medical services”, the White House says.
The expectation that the two would sign an arms deal was widely reported ahead of the visit, and follows the resumption of US offensive weapons sales to the Saudis last year.
US signs $142bn arms deal with Saudi Arabia, White House says
Among the agreements between the US and Saudi Arabia announced today is “the largest defence sales agreement in history”, the White House says.
It adds that the agreement is worth nearly $142bn (£107bn) and includes providing Saudi Arabia with “state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen US defence firms”.
What is Trump doing later?
So the VIP-packed lunch is over, and the two leaders have held signed and exchanged a number of agreements. What next?
Now that events in the Saudi Royal Court have wrapped up, the next step in Trump’s itinerary is to visit the ongoing Saudi-US Investment Forum at a conference centre in the capital.
Trump is then due to head to Diriyah At-Turaif, a historical area and Unesco world heritage site, on the edge of Riyadh.
While there the president will be hosted at an official state banquet to close out his evening.
Tomorrow morning Trump is due to attend a few more events in Saudi Arabia, before heading to nearby Qatar to continue his tour of the Middle East
Here’s what we know about the US-Saudi agreements
Details about what is included in the agreements just signed by Mohammed bin Salman and Donald Trump are minimal at the moment, but here’s what we know they include:
- A memorandum of understanding on energy
- A letter of intent for future defence capabilities, which has been reported to involve up to $100 billion in US weapons purchases by Saudi Arabia
- A memorandum of understanding on mineral resources
- A memorandum of understanding with the US Department of Justice
- Cooperation on space and infectious diseases
Trump leaves royal court
We’ve just seen Donald Trump leave the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh by motorcade.
Later we expect him to speak at a Saudi-US investment forum.
Trump and Mohammed bin Salman sign agreements
As we’ve just been reporting, Donald Trump is taking part in a signing ceremony with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In a plush room, the US president and Saudi leader sit at desks, signing the strategic economic partnership agreement. Applause from those watching follows.
Now we move on to the exchange of a stream of bilateral agreements between the two countries.
We’ll bring you more details on what the agreements contain as we get them.
Leaders begin signing ceremony
Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman have just emerged and are now signing a strategic partnership agreement between the two countries.
You can follow along by pressing watch live at the top of the page.
Trump called crown prince a friend during meeting, reporters say
So far we’ve heard very little about what US President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) discussed during their meetings.
During one discussion, the leaders were seated at the end of a long hall, away from reporters who are following the US president on the trip.
But Trump was overhead by White House reporters calling the Saudi crown prince a friend, and saying he believes they have developed a good relationship.
“I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump was heard saying.
The White House reporters add that the US president also recalled visiting Saudi Arabia in 2017 – during his first term in office – and told MBS that investment from the Gulf nation would help create jobs in the US.
