Washington Visit Strengthened Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Global Role and Saudi Arabia's Position as a Close Ally of America

The official working visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the United States, four days after its conclusion, remains a topic of discussion and analysis in Washington and the capitals of Saudi Arabia. Saudis believe that the visit achieved what the Crown Prince intended, particularly regarding arms deals for F-35 fighter jets, modern drones, signing a strategic defense agreement between the two countries, signing contracts for the artificial intelligence data project, which the Kingdom relies on to diversify its economy, and the agreement related to assisting the Kingdom in its peaceful nuclear program. One of the most significant moments of the Crown Prince's visit to Washington was the signing of a massive partnership to build a rare earth metals refinery between the government-owned Ma'aden company and MP Materials, in which the U.S. government is a shareholder. The American publication 'Semafor' considered that the Crown Prince achieved a significant victory for the slogan 'Saudi Arabia First.' It added that the Washington visit enhanced Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's role on the global stage and Saudi Arabia's position as a close ally of the United States.

On another note, the U.S. government radio directed towards Eastern Europe reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington confirmed what has been rumored for about nine months regarding a potential mediation that Saudi Arabia might undertake between the United States and Iran. The Crown Prince indicated in his speech at the White House on November 17 that he hopes an agreement can be reached to end the tension between Tehran and Washington. He stated that Riyadh would do everything possible to make that agreement feasible. President Donald Trump responded by saying he is open to reaching a deal with Iran, describing it as being in dire need of an agreement. Observers noted that the Kingdom seeks to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington because Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has repeatedly stated that economic prosperity requires a secure and stable region. They added that the priority for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is to implement the economic projects that are at the forefront of Vision 2030. The U.S. government radio, Varda, reported in detail that Oman and Qatar—who have previously mediated between Iran and the United States—believe it is time for Saudi Arabia to take on the mediation role between Washington and Tehran. The American radio quoted former Iranian diplomat Hamid Abutalebi as saying that the Tehran government faces a 'historic responsibility' and must seize this 'strategic opportunity' to alleviate economic pressures on it, restore stability in the Middle East, and pave the way for a return to parity in relations with both the United States and Saudi Arabia. Middle East analyst Bahman Akbari stated that after its strategic defense and peaceful nuclear agreements with the United States, Saudi Arabia is now stronger to play the role of mediator between Tehran and Washington. He added in a statement to the Iranian newspaper 'Etemad' that the possibility of Saudi Arabia facilitating mediation between Iran and the United States creates a real opportunity for reaching an important agreement between Washington and Tehran.

The 'Wall Street Journal' reported that the Crown Prince concluded his visit to America, enhancing his global influence, affirming that he is a prominent Arab leader. It noted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman returned to his country with everything he sought from Washington. Furthermore, his visit to the United States marked a significant shift in Saudi-American relations, recognizing Saudi Arabia as a major power in the Middle East.

In a related context, former Canadian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dennis Horak, told Canadian CBC television that Canada should follow the United States in celebrating Saudi Arabia and its leadership, similar to what the world witnessed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington. He added that Saudi Arabia is 'a very large country and very important in the region, and it is crucial for all countries of the world.' Horak represented Canada in Riyadh from 2015 to 2018. He further stated, 'In the current circumstances, where Canada is looking to diversify its economic partnerships and seeking different sources of investment, Saudi Arabia is an absolutely significant country that cannot be ignored.' The Canadian network quoted Aaron Ettinger, a professor of international relations at the University of Ottawa, as saying that Saudi Arabia has significant influence and a tangible impact on the war in Gaza and the Western conflict with Iran. Recently, the Canadian Ministry of International Trade mentioned that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney may visit Saudi Arabia in 2026.