U.S. Approves $3.5 Billion Missile Deal with Saudi Arabia Ahead of Trump’s Gulf Visit.

By Caroline Ameh

The United States has authorized a $3.5 billion missile sale to Saudi Arabia in a move seen as a strategic step ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Gulf region later this month.

The arms deal, which includes advanced missile systems, was confirmed shortly before Trump’s official trip to Riyadh from May 13 to 16. During the visit, President Trump is expected to meet with the heads of state from the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman.

“Trump will meet the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh,” a source familiar with the matter disclosed. The source, who requested anonymity, noted that the meeting will focus on enhancing “political and economic cooperation” between Washington and the Gulf states.

The missile agreement and the high-profile visit come at a time when the United States is engaged in indirect negotiations with Iran concerning its nuclear program. The Middle East remains a crucial arena for global diplomacy, and the White House is aiming to bolster its influence and secure strategic interests in the region.

President Trump has previously touted multi-billion dollar commercial agreements with Saudi Arabia, positioning the kingdom as a central ally in U.S. efforts to stabilize the region and mediate on matters such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The visit will be the first foreign trip of Trump’s second term, excluding a brief visit to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. As the US continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, Trump’s meetings with Gulf leaders are likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of US-Gulf relations.