Washington elevates military cooperation with Saudi Arabia as both nations sign new defence and nuclear energy agreements.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has officially named Saudi Arabia a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA)—a move that significantly elevates bilateral defence cooperation and places the kingdom among a select group of America’s closest security partners.
A Major Upgrade in U.S.–Saudi Relations
During a gala dinner at the White House on 18 November, Donald Trump announced that the United States would designate Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally. The announcement was made in the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), marking his first visit to Washington since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump described the new designation as a major step to “raise military cooperation to a higher level,” calling it a significant development for both countries.
What MNNA Status Means
MNNA status is defined under U.S. law and offers foreign partners special privileges in defence and security cooperation. Although it does not include a security guarantee, it provides access to:
- Loans of U.S. military equipment for research and testing
- Priority delivery of U.S. military surplus
- Eligibility to house American war reserve stockpiles
- Access to depleted uranium ammunition
Saudi Arabia now joins a group of 19 other nations that hold MNNA status, including Japan, Israel, Australia, South Korea, and Bahrain. Taiwan is also treated as an MNNA under a separate legal provision.
Strategic Deals Signed During the Visit
The visit saw both countries sign several major agreements:
- Civil nuclear energy cooperation, designating U.S. firms as Saudi Arabia’s preferred partners
- A defence pact facilitating Saudi purchases of F-35 stealth fighter jets and other U.S. weapon systems
These agreements signal Washington’s intent to strengthen long-term strategic ties with Riyadh across both military and energy sectors.
Restoring Trust After Years of Strain
Relations between Washington and Riyadh have been tense since the Khashoggi killing, with U.S. intelligence indicating MBS approved the operation—an allegation Saudi authorities deny. Trump defended MBS during the visit, claiming the crown prince “knew nothing about it.”
The visit marks a deliberate effort by both sides to refocus on strategic cooperation and move beyond past disputes.
Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Future of Regional Diplomacy
During meetings with U.S. officials, MBS reiterated that progress on the Palestinian statehood issue remains essential before Saudi Arabia can normalise relations with Israel. Trump has long pushed for Saudi participation in the Abraham Accords, but MBS insisted that a “clear pathway” to a Palestinian state is required.
This position underscores Saudi Arabia’s continuing influence over Middle East diplomacy.
A Significant Geopolitical Signal
Trump’s decision strengthens U.S.–Saudi military integration at a time of shifting regional alliances and energy dynamics. As geopolitical competition intensifies, Washington’s designation signals its commitment to keeping Riyadh close—while ensuring American companies remain key partners in Saudi defence and nuclear development.
The MNNA designation for Saudi Arabia marks a major milestone in U.S.–Middle East relations, reshaping defence cooperation and signalling renewed trust between Washington and Riyadh. For Indonesians and Singaporeans observing global security trends, the move highlights shifting power dynamics that could influence regional stability, trade and energy markets in the years ahead.
Sources: CNN Indonesia (2025) , Detiknews (2025)
Keywords: Major Non-NATO Ally, Trump Saudi Announcement, U.S. Saudi Relations, MBS Washington Visit, MNNA Status
