Middle East Focus MBS's Visit and the Future of US-Saudi Relations
Nov 20, 2025
F. Gregory Gause, III, a distinguished Professor emeritus of international affairs, dives into the implications of Crown Prince MBS's historic visit to the U.S. Gause outlines how MBS has shifted Saudi policy since 2018 and the challenges of long-term investment commitments. He discusses the balancing act of U.S. and Saudi interests, particularly regarding defense deals and tech partnerships. Gause also highlights crucial factors like nuclear enrichment and Gaza reconstruction, emphasizing the complex and evolving U.S.-Saudi relationship in a turbulent regional landscape.
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MBS Has Changed After Costly Setbacks
- Mohammed bin Salman has consolidated power and learned hard lessons from foreign-policy setbacks.
- His experiences (Yemen, Qatar blockade, Khashoggi) made him a more restrained actor seeking stability.
Khashoggi Didn’t Permanently Bar High-Level Ties
- The Khashoggi killing still matters in Washington but no longer blocks high-level engagement.
- Strategic and economic needs have outweighed human-rights fallout in recent U.S. policy calculations.
Deals Signal Intent More Than Immediate Cash
- Billion-dollar investment figures are largely symbolic and will roll out slowly over years.
- A key goal of the visit was securing AI deal implementation and American technology access under safeguards.