The United States and Saudi Arabia are on the cusp of finalizing a significant security agreement, according to reports from US and Saudi officials. The draft treaty, modeled after the existing US-Japan mutual defense pact, would pledge American military support to Saudi Arabia in the event of an attack. This commitment is seen as a potential turning point in US-Saudi relations, which have been strained in recent years.
The proposed pact emerges alongside efforts to normalize diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Biden administration has been actively mediating these discussions, with the hope that a comprehensive agreement could bolster regional stability. The security treaty is believed to be an incentive for Saudi Arabia to formally recognize Israel.
Details of the agreement suggest the US would gain access to Saudi territory and airspace to bolster American interests and those of its regional allies. A significant aspect of the pact involves restricting Chinese influence in the region. The treaty reportedly includes provisions that would prevent Saudi Arabia from granting China permission to establish military bases or engage in significant security cooperation.
The US-Saudi security pact is part of a broader diplomatic push by the Biden administration to address several long-standing issues in the Middle East. The discussions encompass reviving efforts to establish a Palestinian state and finding a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is another pressing concern that the US hopes can be addressed within the framework of this comprehensive agreement.
The finalization of the security treaty hinges on navigating complex political landscapes in both the US and Saudi Arabia. While the pact enjoys support within the US national security establishment, it is likely to face scrutiny from some lawmakers concerned about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia and the potential for increased US military involvement in the region. In Saudi Arabia, the prospect of normalizing relations with Israel is a contentious issue, and King Salman will need to navigate domestic opposition to secure the deal's approval.
Despite these challenges, both the US and Saudi Arabia appear committed to finalizing the pact. The agreement is seen as critical to advancing shared security interests in the Middle East and fostering a more stable regional order. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this landmark security agreement is brought to fruition.