US Treasury Secretary Scott Bassett has voiced strong support for the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, describing Riyadh as the United States’ most “important” ally in the Middle East.
In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, 18 October, Bassett highlighted Saudi Arabia’s military role during the recent 12-day Iran-US conflict, stating: “They have shown that they are the primary military power in the region, and during times of pressure, they have been 100% alongside the United States.”
The comments come amid Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s official visit to Washington, where he met with senior US officials to discuss bilateral cooperation in defence, energy, and investment.
During the visit, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a joint agreement on nuclear energy, confirmed by the White House. The deal establishes a legal framework for long-term multi-billion-dollar nuclear cooperation and includes stringent measures to ensure non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
In addition to nuclear collaboration, President Donald Trump approved a major defence deal, which will enable the future supply of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Analysts note that the sale would strengthen Riyadh’s military capabilities while deepening strategic ties with Washington.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also pledged a $1 trillion investment during his US visit, expressing confidence in America’s long-term economic and strategic prospects.
| Country | Key Agreements | Strategic Significance |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Sale of F-35 jets; nuclear cooperation | Strengthening military and energy ties; non-proliferation commitments |
| Saudi Arabia | Defence and nuclear deals; $1 trillion investment pledge | Bolstering regional power; deepening US partnership |
The agreements underscore US-Saudi alignment on security and economic matters amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Observers highlight that the collaboration reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a key regional power and signals continued strategic interdependence between the two nations.