Very Painful: U.S.-Saudi F-35 Deal and Khashoggi’s Take on MBS Visit

Overview: A Controversial Deal on the Table

The looming U.S.-Saudi agreement on F-35 fighter jets has intensified debates about weapons sales, strategic ties, and human rights concerns. As the deal nears completion, the Trump administration is preparing a high-profile reception for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) during his Washington visit. The gathering signals a deepening of security and economic ties between Washington and Riyadh, even as critics question the implications for regional stability and accountability for human rights abuses.

Hanan Khashoggi’s Strong Dissent

Hanan Khashoggi, the widow of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has publicly denounced the Crown Prince’s planned itinerary in the U.S. capital. Describing the visit as “very painful,” she highlighted the personal and symbolic pain many felt following Jamal Khashoggi’s killing. Her response underscores the broader tension between the U.S.-Saudi relationship and calls for accountability in the murder that drew international censure.

The F-35 Deal: Security, Economics, and Geopolitics

The prospective F-35 sale would reinforce America’s military partnership with Saudi Arabia, providing advanced capabilities that could shape air power dynamics in the Gulf. For Washington, the sale represents a multi-layered strategic objective: deter threats, sustain defense industry jobs, and maintain leverage over Riyadh’s foreign policy choices. For Riyadh, access to cutting-edge technology supports its regional defense posture and aligns with broader modernization efforts within its armed forces.

Critics argue that arms sales to Saudi Arabia may complicate U.S. efforts to advocate for human rights reforms and conflict restraint in Yemen. They urge the administration to couple any weapons package with stringent oversight, transparency assurances, and clear performance conditions tied to humanitarian considerations and regional behavior.

What the White House Is Signaling

With the White House preparing a formal reception and potential policy announcements tied to defense and energy collaboration, officials aim to project continuity in the U.S.-Saudi alliance. The event also signals a willingness to maintain strong ties with Gulf partners amid broader shifts in U.S. foreign policy priorities, including countering regional extremism and ensuring a stable security framework in the Middle East.

Implications for Human Rights and Accountability

The Khashoggi tragedy remains a central point of international focus. Advocates stress that a robust alliance should not preclude accountability and transparent investigations. The ongoing debate questions whether high-level diplomacy and public displays of partnership can coexist with sustained calls for human rights reforms and justice for Jamal Khashoggi and other victims of violence.

What to Watch Ahead of the Visit

Key indicators include the final terms of the F-35 sale, any accompanying defense agreements, and how the White House addresses human rights concerns in public and private forums. Analysts will scrutinize the administration’s messaging on regional security, sanctions policy, and the balance between strategic interests and moral considerations.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for U.S.-Saudi Ties

The nearing F-35 deal and MBS’s U.S. visit illuminate a complex, evolving partnership. For supporters, the arrangement promises enhanced defense capabilities and a steady anchor in a volatile region. For critics, it raises alarms about human rights accountability and the potential consequences of arming a major regional power. As the visit unfolds, the dialogue around weapons sales, diplomacy, and justice will shape how history records this chapter in U.S.-Saudi relations.