The United States has been actively working to secure Saudi Arabia within its geopolitical sphere, with a focus on establishing a security treaty and civil nuclear agreement. These efforts have persisted despite differences between Riyadh and Washington, particularly over issues like Palestinian governance. The proposed agreements aim not only to stabilize the Middle East but also to counter China’s influence in the region.
However, Saudi Arabia remains cautious. While the kingdom seeks security guarantees that only the U.S. can provide, it is also keen on maintaining economic and political flexibility, particularly in its relationships with China and Russia. This creates a potential conflict, as the U.S. generally expects its security allies to align with its broader foreign policy objectives.
As the U.S. and Saudi Arabia approach the final stages of negotiations, there are concerns that Riyadh’s independent ties to Beijing and Moscow could strain the relationship. Regardless of who occupies the White House in 2025, the U.S. will need to carefully navigate its expectations from Saudi Arabia in light of these complexities.
