US-Saudi Relations: Key Asks and Diplomatic Goals

Bilateral Interests and Demands

• 🇺🇸 The U.S. seeks Saudi normalization with Israel, viewing it as a legacy-cementing step, and also wants to see Saudi Arabia step away from its relationship with China.
• 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia desires F-35 fighter jets, a civilian nuclear program, and a defense guarantee similar to one previously offered to Qatar.
• 🤝 Both nations engage in diplomacy to navigate differences and identify areas of shared cooperation, with each side having specific requests of the other.

The Palestinian Statehood Question

• 🕊️ Saudi Arabia's price for normalization with Israel is a path forward for an eventual Palestinian state.
• 🗺️ The specifics of what a Palestinian state would entail in practice are still being determined by diplomats.
• 🇵🇸 The U.S. and Israel are discussing the future of Gaza and the West Bank, but Palestinians are not currently part of these discussions, which makes Saudi Arabia uncomfortable.

Gaza Ceasefire and Hamas's Role

• 💥 A ceasefire is in place in Gaza, but there is no firm plan for the way forward, which depends on Hamas agreeing to disarmament and handing over power.
• 💰 Gulf Arab states are hesitant to invest in rebuilding Gaza if Hamas might renew conflict, emphasizing the need for Hamas to commit to peace.
• 🗣️ The U.S. and other regional powers may need to apply tough diplomacy to encourage Hamas to negotiate terms of surrender.

Jamal Khashoggi and US-Saudi Partnership

• ⚖️ The murder of Jamal Khashoggi remains an issue, with the Trump administration having previously sanctioned individuals involved.
• 🤝 Despite past events, Saudi Arabia is considered a close partner, and alienating them could push them further towards China.
• 📈 The U.S. aims to apply pressure and moral persuasion within a durable strategic relationship to maintain influence.