Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will travel to the United States for the first time since the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, marking a major diplomatic moment for both countries as they rebuild relations under President Donald Trump. The visit comes months after Trump’s high-profile trip to Riyadh, during which Saudi Arabia agreed to a trade and investment package worth an estimated six hundred billion dollars aimed at deepening economic and strategic cooperation.

The itinerary has not been publicly detailed, but U.S. officials confirmed that the crown prince will meet with senior members of the administration, business leaders and national security advisers. The visit signals a renewed phase in U.S. Saudi relations, following years of tension that began after U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Khashoggi’s killing inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul was carried out by agents linked to the crown prince’s security apparatus. Riyadh denied that the crown prince ordered the killing, though global pressure led to limited prosecutions within the kingdom and a long-term diplomatic chill with Western partners.

The trip reflects a new political environment in Washington. Trump has made close cooperation with Saudi Arabia a central feature of his foreign policy agenda, highlighting defense partnerships, energy coordination and investment opportunities. His return to office has paved the way for a reset in bilateral ties after a period of strained engagement under previous administrations. Senior officials describe the upcoming visit as a milestone in reestablishing high-level dialogue with one of America’s most important regional partners.

For Saudi Arabia, the visit is an opportunity to demonstrate international legitimacy following the fallout from the Khashoggi case. Since 2018, the crown prince has faced global scrutiny, protests and calls for accountability. Several Western leaders avoided formal meetings with him, and investors briefly pulled back from the kingdom’s ambitious economic diversification plans. Yet in recent years, Saudi Arabia has regained diplomatic momentum through energy diplomacy, major security commitments and outreach to both traditional allies and emerging powers in Asia and Africa.

The crown prince’s visit reflects this strategic recalibration. Riyadh has sought to stabilize relations with Washington at a time when regional security challenges remain significant. Conflicts in the Middle East, shifting alliances and the growing role of external powers such as China have heightened Saudi Arabia’s interest in maintaining strong ties with the United States. The six hundred billion dollar investment commitment announced during Trump’s visit underscores the kingdom’s long-term effort to attract foreign investment and accelerate its Vision 2030 development agenda.

The United States, for its part, continues to view Saudi Arabia as a key partner in regional security, counterterrorism and energy markets. The Biden era saw strained exchanges over human rights and oil production levels, but the current administration has prioritized a pragmatic approach that emphasizes defense cooperation and economic partnerships. The crown prince’s visit aligns with Washington’s broader strategy of reengaging with Gulf partners to counter instability and protect trade routes.

Human rights groups, however, have criticized the decision to host the crown prince without clear public accountability measures regarding the Khashoggi case. Advocacy organizations argue that the visit risks signaling that business interests outweigh concerns about press freedom and political repression. They have urged the administration to raise human rights issues during the meetings and to push for reforms inside the kingdom. Officials have not confirmed whether the topic will be formally included in the agenda.

Diplomatic analysts note that both governments are likely to focus on strategic issues rather than revisit past disputes. The agenda is expected to cover regional security, including the war in Gaza, Iran’s influence in the Middle East and ongoing maritime threats in the Red Sea. Energy policy, defense cooperation and emerging technology investments are also expected to feature prominently in discussions. Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in global supply chains, including renewable energy materials, artificial intelligence infrastructure and hydrogen development, is becoming a growing area of common interest.

Economic cooperation will be a major pillar of the visit. U.S. companies have sought increased access to Saudi megaprojects such as Neom and the Red Sea development, while the kingdom continues to pursue partnerships that accelerate industrial diversification. The six hundred billion dollar trade and investment package announced earlier this year was widely viewed as a strategic demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s willingness to deepen ties with Washington despite broader geopolitical shifts. The agreement includes joint ventures, technology partnerships and potential arms sales subject to regulatory approval.

The crown prince’s visit may also influence global energy markets. Saudi Arabia remains the world’s largest oil exporter and plays a critical role in stabilizing supply and pricing. Coordination between Riyadh and Washington has historically shaped OPEC decisions, and the renewed diplomatic relationship could affect future production strategies. Investors will be watching for signals about energy policy alignment and the potential impact on global oil markets.

For Washington, the visit offers both opportunity and risk. Strengthening ties with a powerful regional actor could bolster U.S. influence in global affairs. Yet the political optics surrounding the Khashoggi case remain sensitive. While Trump has taken a more accommodating approach toward the crown prince, public sentiment in parts of the United States remains critical of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Balancing strategic interests with political realities will be a central test for the administration.

For Saudi Arabia, the visit marks a symbolic return to high-level engagement with the world’s largest economy. It signals confidence on the international stage and reflects the crown prince’s efforts to position the kingdom as a central player in geopolitics, investment flows and technological innovation. It also underscores Riyadh’s belief that its long-term partnership with the United States remains essential even as it expands relationships with China, India and European powers.

As the crown prince prepares for his first trip to the United States since 2018, the global context is markedly different. The Middle East faces new uncertainties, international alliances are shifting and economic competition is intensifying. The visit represents a pivotal moment in U.S. Saudi relations and will shape diplomatic and economic dynamics for years to come.