Trump Grants Saudi Arabia Major Non-NATO Ally Status, Sealing New Era of Strategic Partnership
WASHINGTON, Nov 19: The United States has formally designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), marking one of the most significant upgrades in U.S.–Saudi relations in decades. The move was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump during a black-tie dinner at the White House in honor of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“Tonight, I’m pleased to announce that we’re taking our military cooperation to even greater heights,” Trump declared. “By formally designating Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally, something that is very important to them.”
Trump described the announcement as a “secret” held for the evening’s special occasion, signalling the importance both sides placed on the declaration.
The MNNA designation opens the door to expanded military collaboration, preferential defense cooperation, and broader strategic engagement between the two nations. Trump said the new status would enhance U.S.-Saudi defense coordination “to even greater heights,” underscoring a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, saying, “We feel at home.”
He highlighted the long-standing partnership between Washington and Riyadh, dating back nearly 90 years to the historic 1945 meeting between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz.
The Crown Prince traced the evolution of U.S.-Saudi cooperation from World War II through the Cold War and the global fight against terrorism. He said current ties are expanding rapidly into new economic and strategic areas.
“Today is a special day,” he said. “The horizon of economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and America is bigger and wider than ever. We’ve signed many agreements that will deepen our partnership, and we will continue to build on them.”
He added that both countries are entering milestone years, with America approaching its 250th anniversary and Saudi Arabia nearing its 300th, which reflects a long arc of shared cooperation.
Trump celebrated what he called unprecedented investment commitments, including agreements in civil nuclear energy, Critical minerals, Artificial intelligence
He also highlighted the Kingdom’s plan to purchase approximately US$142 billion in U.S. military equipment and services, calling it “the largest arms purchase in history.”
Trump framed these moves as part of a broader strategy to reinforce Middle East security and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a stabilizing regional force.
Alongside the MNNA designation, both countries signed a sweeping strategic defense agreement aimed at building “a stronger and more capable alliance.”
Trump said the pact represents a major step toward what he described as the closest the Middle East has ever come to “truly everlasting peace.”
He thanked the Crown Prince for his role in recent regional diplomatic breakthroughs, including efforts that helped bring an end to the war in Gaza.
“Even the great experts are calling it a miracle,” Trump said.
Both leaders framed the developments as the start of a new era in U.S.–Saudi relations, one defined by deeper defense cooperation, expanding economic ties, and shared ambitions for regional stability.
With the MNNA designation and the new strategic pact, Washington and Riyadh have entered one of the most consequential phases of their partnership in nearly a century.