US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States is designating Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally,” a status that expands military and economic cooperation without creating security obligations. Speaking at a White House dinner, Trump said the move was important for Riyadh and noted that only 19 other countries hold the designation, including Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar. He added that recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities had strengthened Saudi Arabia’s security. Sitting beside him, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged to increase Saudi investment in the U.S. to $1 trillion, though without giving details. The White House also confirmed the signing of a Strategic Defence Agreement aimed at boosting regional deterrence, facilitating U.S. defense operations, and securing new burden-sharing contributions from Saudi Arabia. While the agreement falls short of the NATO-style treaty Saudi Arabia initially sought, Trump approved future deliveries of F-35 fighter jets and confirmed Riyadh’s plan to purchase 300 American tanks. Allowing the kingdom to acquire the F-35—previously sold only to Israel—marks a major policy shift that could reshape the military balance in the Middle East.