US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent has described Saudi Arabia as the United States’ most important ally in the Middle East, expressing support for the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Riyadh. In an interview with Fox News on October 18, Besent said Washington relied on Saudi military support during the recent 12-day Iran-US conflict, praising the kingdom’s role as a key regional power. His remarks coincided with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s official visit to Washington, where both nations signed a joint declaration on nuclear energy cooperation. The White House confirmed that the agreement lays a legal foundation for a multi-billion-dollar nuclear project while adhering to non-proliferation commitments. Additionally, President Donald Trump approved a major defense deal that includes the future delivery of advanced F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia. During his visit, the Crown Prince pledged a $1 trillion investment in the US, reaffirming Saudi confidence in America’s economic future.