U.S. Policy Toward Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Changes

U.S. policy toward Saudi Arabia has undergone significant shifts amid regional transformations in the Middle East. The U.S. approach seeks to balance strategic interests—such as ensuring energy market stability, enhancing security cooperation, and countering Iranian influence—with its promotion of democratic values and human rights,The study highlights that U.S.-Saudi relations have been shaped by various factors, including changes in U.S. administrations, geopolitical developments like the Yemen conflict, the normalization of ties between some Arab states and Israel, and growing tensions with Iran. Human rights concerns, particularly after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, have also led some U.S. administrations to reassess the depth of their engagement with the kingdom ,Despite challenges, U.S.-Saudi relations remain rooted in mutual interests, with Saudi Arabia playing a crucial role in energy and regional security. Additionally, U.S. competition with China and Russia pushes Washington to maintain its alliance with Riyadh while applying diplomatic pressure to align Saudi policies more closely with American strategic objectives.