Report: US, Saudi Near Historic Defense Pact

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Facts

  • The White House announced Monday that US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has made significant progress in talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and other Saudi officials over a bilateral defense agreement.1
  • Following Sunday's meeting between Sullivan and the Gulf kingdom's de facto ruler, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said both countries are 'closer than we've ever been' on a pact.2
  • Without giving further details, Kirby said that the talks reached a 'near final' stage, claiming the 'historic' US-Saudi deal offers an opportunity to create what he described as a 'more integrated region.'3
  • A Saudi statement on Sunday said the discussions in the eastern Saudi city of Dhahran included 'the semi-final' version of the two countries' strategic agreements, which Riyadh said are 'are almost being finalized.'4
  • According to the official Saudi Press Agency, the talks also centered around the Palestinian issue and a 'credible path towards a two-state solution,' as well as measures to end the Gaza war and a more efficient flow of aid in the region.5
  • The draft security agreement includes defense guarantees and civilian nuclear cooperation. A second element stipulates the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel contingent on paving the way for a Palestinian state.6

Sources: 1reuters.com, 2Firstpost, 3Mirage News, 4Iran International, 5WION and 6CBS.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Washington Post. That the US-Saudi talks on a security agreement that includes the normalization of Israeli ties reached a near-final stage is a major coup for US diplomacy. By reducing its demand for a two-state solution to a 'credible path,' Riyadh bolstered its role in settling the Gaza war, while Washington prevented the conflict from escalating through talks with Iran. With its impressive comeback in the Middle East, the US now has a unique opportunity to establish regional peace and stability.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by The Times of India. For months, the US sought to lure Saudi Arabia with a security deal to make them sign a peace agreement with Israel. Washington reckons that such a trilateral pact will thwart both the Palestinians' quest for an independent state and the rapprochement between the Saudis and Iran. They are wrong, however, since the Arab public firmly rejects such a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and will rise against any government that dares to normalize ties with the Israeli regime.
  • Narrative C, as provided by juancole.com. It's a smart move by the Saudis to keep the US engaged in talks about boosting its deterrence capability and normalizing its Israel ties. Following the UAE's example, Riyadh aims to counter Iran's growing influence without openly opposing Tehran. By potentially normalizing its relations with Israel, Riyadh is pursuing a strategy of containment and engagement with Tehran.

Predictions