In the aftermath of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's meeting with Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) in Riyadh, U.S. divergent views emerged regarding the path to a strategic defense agreement with the Kingdom.
The unexpected divergence in views, notably expressed by U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on 5/5/2024, has stirred discussion and prompted diplomatic contacts between the two sides.
The following note provides insight into the implications and responses of these developments and MBS’ priorities moving forward concerning:
- The defense pact
- The normalization file
- Palestinian statehood
