U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Tuesday that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was unaware of the killing of U.S. resident and Saudi national Jamal Khashoggi. The President warmly welcomed the Saudi Crown Prince, also known as MBS, for discussions anticipated to promote the sale of F-35 fighter jets and various business agreements with Saudi Arabia.
Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post and a vocal critic of the Saudi royal family, vanished after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. Turkish authorities described his disappearance as a premeditated assault, stating that he was strangled, dismembered, and disposed of. Despite U.S. intelligence reports linking MBS to the approval of Khashoggi’s killing, the Crown Prince denied direct involvement but acknowledged accountability as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting in Washington, Trump defended bin Salman, stating that the Saudi leader was unaware of the incident. The Crown Prince expressed regret over the loss of life and assured that measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence. The warm reception accorded to MBS in Washington signals a significant improvement in relations following the turbulence caused by Khashoggi’s murder.
Human rights organization DAWN, founded by Khashoggi, protested outside the Saudi embassy in Washington, displaying an LED billboard truck with a message highlighting the Crown Prince’s alleged crimes. Bin Salman, often perceived as a peacemaker, has initiated diplomatic efforts, including engagements with Iran and support for a Gaza ceasefire. He has also implemented societal reforms, granting women newfound freedoms in a nation traditionally known for its strict social norms.
Trump announced a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, hinting at the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to the kingdom, marking a pivotal shift in regional policies. The Crown Prince reiterated his desire to join the Abraham Accords but emphasized the importance of a clear path to Palestinian statehood. The potential normalization of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel remains a key objective for Trump in fostering broader peace agreements in the Middle East.
Bin Salman’s ascent to power saw significant changes in Saudi Arabia, including economic transformations and social liberalization. The Crown Prince’s dynamic leadership style has reshaped the kingdom’s image, transitioning it from a conservative state to a modernizing nation actively engaging in sports and entertainment ventures on a global scale.
Saudi Arabia’s evolving role in international affairs, coupled with its domestic reforms, underlines the kingdom’s strategic importance and the growing influence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the world stage.
