US–Saudi summit: A new balance in the Middle East

The history of Saudi-American relations dates back to the summit between King Abdulaziz Al Saud and US President Franklin Roosevelt, which formed the foundation of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Since that time, relations have generally continued to develop, though they have experienced a stagnation in recent years. Despite this, Saudi Arabia has maintained its relations regardless of which administration is in office in the US; the US, in turn, has viewed Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner in resolving regional issues.

Vision 2030 is seen as an important turning point for the revitalization of these relations. The program aims to develop the kingdom's military and economic capacity and to increase economic diversification by freeing the economy from its dependence on oil. It can be said that the summit, in connection with this transformation process, has the potential to reshape the balance of power in the Middle East.

Geopolitical Goals of the Summit

The summit was organized to discuss strategic moves that will affect the balance of power in the region and to shape new collaborations. For the US, one of the primary goals highlighted at the summit is to limit cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China and to reposition Riyadh within its own security framework. Furthermore, the US aims to limit China's influence in the region, act jointly with Saudi Arabia against threats in Iran, the Red Sea, and energy routes, and strengthen its regional influence. In addition, accelerating the normalization process between Saudi Arabia and Israel is among the priorities of the US.

However, the extent to which normalization can progress remains uncertain as long as the events in Gaza and expectations regarding the resolution of the Palestinian issue are not met. Saudi Arabia, for its part, aims to create an economic impact on the US by using its investments generously and to strengthen relations in its own favor.

Defense Cooperation

 One of the most notable topics at the summit was defense cooperation. The F-35s, which Saudi Arabia has long requested and which are among the most advanced fighter jets in the world produced with advanced stealth technology, stand out in this context. If it acquires these aircraft, Saudi Arabia will be the first country in the Arab world to possess F-35s. Approval for the sale of these aircraft to Turkey, a US ally, has not been granted. Considering that the privilege of possessing F-35s in the Middle East is currently held only by Israel, Saudi Arabia obtaining this capability would pose a threat to Israel's military superiority. This situation signifies a reshaping of the balance of power in the region. Although the number of aircraft and delivery dates have not yet been announced, this development has made an impact on international public opinion. 

In addition to these developments in the defense sector, Saudi Arabia, partly due to the losses it experienced in Yemen, is moving to renew its tanks and other equipment in order to create a more resilient military deterrent against threats. The gains it will obtain from defense cooperation are intended to strengthen the country's leadership position in the Arab world. However, the Saudis' rapprochement with the US does not mean cutting off relations with countries such as China, India, and Japan; it seems more realistic that the Saudis will continue to maintain their multi-dimensional foreign policy approach.

Nuclear Energy and the Double Standard Debate

One of the most sensitive topics of the summit is nuclear energy cooperation. Saudi Arabia, which has clearly stated that it will not remain idle if Iran produces nuclear weapons, is turning to civil-purpose nuclear technology to ensure its energy security and expects support from the US in this process. This support brings with it debates about double standards in the region, considering the harsh stance and sanctions against Iran. This initiative by Saudi Arabia in the nuclear field is of a nature that will set an example for other states in the region, a situation that will be met with concern by the US and Israel.

The Palestinian Condition

Saudi Arabia, seen as the final link of the Abraham Accords, has repeatedly emphasized that it will not enter into a normalization process with Israel without a resolution to the Palestinian issue. In this framework, the Palestinian issue remains the most critical condition of the process. 

Strategic Interdependence in the Shadow of the Past

On the other hand, the fact that the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi was brought back to the agenda at the summit shows that, despite the problems experienced in the past, the two countries are forced to continue their cooperation due to their mutual interdependence. 

In conclusion, the US, which is trying to establish a new economic and security network in the region through Israel and Saudi Arabia, is accelerating its goal of becoming an effective power by both keeping Iran under pressure and staying ahead of other actors in regional competition. This summit carries the character of a strategic turning point that will shape not only the relations between the two countries but also the future of the Middle East.