NYT: US Discusses Mutual Defense Treaty with Saudi Arabia at ROK-US Alliance Level

The United States and Saudi Arabia are reportedly discussing the conclusion of a strong mutual defense treaty comparable to the US-South Korea alliance.

According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 19th (local time), the US and Saudi Arabia are negotiating an agreement in which each country promises military support if the other is attacked in the Middle East region or on Saudi territory.

The media, citing US government officials, reported, "Officials from both countries are discussing the terms of a mutual defense treaty similar to the strong military agreements the US has with Japan and South Korea."

This military cooperation is part of US President Joe Biden's diplomatic policy aimed at normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Saudi Arabia has demanded a mutual defense agreement with the US and permission for uranium enrichment for nuclear power plant construction in exchange for normalizing relations with Israel. The variable is whether the mutual defense treaty between the two countries can pass the US Congress.

There is a prevailing sentiment in the US Congress that Saudi Arabia cannot be recognized as a trustworthy partner. Saudi Arabia has faced international criticism over human rights issues, including allegations of assassinating the journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was critical of the Saudi government, in 2018.

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