Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, arrived in the United States on Tuesday for an official visit aimed at laying the groundwork for U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned trip to the Kingdom, expected later this spring, according to a source close to the Saudi royal court.
The source told Reuters that Prince Faisal’s agenda includes discussions on the situation in Gaza, the status of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and broader regional dynamics. The visit was scheduled before the U.S. announced new tariffs last week—an economic move that has shaken global markets and raised concerns over a potential recession that could depress global oil prices, a key Saudi revenue source.
While an official source confirmed the foreign minister’s arrival in Washington, no further details were provided.
Trump’s First Foreign Visit of Second Term
President Trump is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia as early as May to sign a major investment agreement, making it the first international trip of his second term. His itinerary reportedly includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, mirroring his first overseas tour as president in 2017, when Saudi Arabia and Israel were among his initial destinations.
Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, where they reportedly discussed a controversial U.S. proposal to take control of Gaza—a plan that has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Saudi Arabia.
Trump also publicly called for an end to the war in Gaza, stating that he believes a resolution could be reached “relatively soon.”
U.S. Military Engagement in Yemen
Meanwhile, in Yemen, the U.S. has escalated its military operations, launching airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in an attempt to halt their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. These strikes represent the largest U.S. military campaign in the region since Trump began his second term in January.
The situation in Yemen remains a security and diplomatic priority for both Washington and Riyadh, given the conflict’s regional implications and its proximity to Saudi borders.
