Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Diplomatic Shift

During President Biden’s tenure, Saudi Arabia actively diversified its international partnerships, reducing its dependency on the United States. The Kingdom prioritized its national interests by strengthening ties with major geopolitical players such as Russia and China, often seen as U.S. rivals.

With Donald Trump returning to the White House, Saudi leaders are likely to view this change favorably. Trump's foreign policy, characterized by direct transactional relationships, aligns well with Saudi Arabia’s current leadership approach. His first overseas visit as president was to the Kingdom, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Saudi-Israel Peace Equation

One of Trump's key diplomatic goals is brokering a historic peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, building upon the Abraham Accords initiated during his first term. However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza presents a significant obstacle.

Saudi Arabia has firmly opposed Trump's proposed plan to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza and redevelop the area as a resort. Instead, the Kingdom is actively collaborating with other Arab nations to draft an alternative plan that supports Palestinian self-governance and a two-state solution. This divergence in policy highlights a potential point of contention between the Trump administration and Saudi leadership.

Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Role in Global Diplomacy

Despite differences in approach, Saudi Arabia remains committed to expanding its influence in global affairs. The Kingdom’s willingness to host high-level discussions on Ukraine illustrates its growing stature as a diplomatic hub.

The 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi had previously cast a shadow over Saudi Arabia’s international standing, drawing widespread criticism, particularly concerning human rights. However, the Kingdom has worked to rehabilitate its image by investing heavily in entertainment, sports, and diplomatic initiatives.

As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a central figure in international negotiations, its evolving relationship with the U.S. will be pivotal in shaping the geopolitical landscape in the coming years.