Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington underscores the pivotal role US-Saudi relations play in President Trump's Middle East strategy. The leaders are set to discuss expanding cooperation in economics and technology, as well as addressing ongoing regional security concerns, including Iran, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and threats from groups like the Houthis. Recent events, such as Israel's strike in Qatar and shifting regional alliances, have heightened Saudi Arabia's desire for a formal security guarantee from the United States. While the Trump administration has offered reassurances to regional partners like Qatar, Saudi Arabia seeks a more robust and binding defense pact. The visit is expected to focus on solidifying security frameworks, with the US remaining Saudi Arabia's preferred partner despite growing regional uncertainty and competition from other global powers.