Saudi Crown Prince’s 2025 U.S. Visit Could Reshape Middle East Security Alliances
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's upcoming visit to Washington in 2025 could mark a significant turning point. It may pave the way for a U.S.-backed Gulf-Israel rapid-response initiative, aimed at bolstering regional security.
The idea for such a multinational force was first floated in 2022, gaining momentum due to recurring crises in the Middle East. The initiative could involve Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Jordan. President Trump's foreign policy approach, emphasizing partners' self-reliance, aligns with this concept. The force would serve as a deterrent, raise the cost of aggression, and provide early leverage for political leaders.
The idea has been bolstered by recent events. In 2023, a Hamas attack on Israel led to Iranian-aligned militias targeting U.S. bases. In 2024, Iran's missile and drone strike on Israel exposed regional dependence on U.S. coordination. Meanwhile, trade and technology ties among Israel and Arab countries have strengthened, as seen in the UAE-Israel land-corridor project now including Egypt.
Transitioning this concept to reality is set to begin in 2026, with deliberate planning under U.S. Central Command. The goal is to develop the response force's mission and organizational structure. The Saudi-U.S. mutual-defense pact and Saudi Arabia's military transformation create a favorable environment for launching this initiative. It is expected to enhance regional security and stability.
