Trump-ibn Salman Meeting: A New Strategic Alliance

US-Saudi Arabia relations entered a new phase with the meeting between Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman in Washington, during which Saudi Arabia received the status of a major non-NATO ally and a new large-scale investment agreement was signed. Trump defended the crown prince in the matter of the Khashoggi murder, which drew criticism from the latter's widow, while the crown prince described the incident as a "huge mistake." The visit coincided with the promotion of the American peace plan for Gaza, where Saudi Arabia has a key role.