Saudi FM lands in Washington to set stage for Trump’s upcoming Gulf tour

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud arrived in Washington on Tuesday for an official visit aimed at preparing U.S. President Donald Trump’s anticipated trip to the kingdom later this spring, according to a source close to the Saudi royal court.

The visit will also focus on discussions surrounding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing conflict with Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Meetings with senior U.S. officials are expected to cover a wide range of strategic and regional issues.

The trip was scheduled prior to the recent announcement of new U.S. tariffs that have unsettled global markets and raised concerns about a potential economic slowdown — a development that could impact oil prices, Saudi Arabia’s primary export.

An official source confirmed Prince Faisal’s arrival in Washington but did not provide specific details regarding his agenda.

President Trump is expected to visit Saudi Arabia as early as May, in what would be the first international trip of his second term. 

The visit is expected to include the signing of a major investment agreement and additional stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Trump had also made Saudi Arabia and Israel his first destinations during his initial foreign tour as president in 2017.

Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Monday. During their talks, the U.S. president reportedly floated the controversial idea of the United States taking over the administration of Gaza — a proposal that has drawn international condemnation, including from Saudi Arabia.

Trump added that he hopes the war in Gaza will come to an end soon and expressed optimism that such a resolution is within reach.

Meanwhile, in Yemen, the United States has stepped up its military campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi movement. 

Recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions aim to halt the group’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea — a critical international waterway. These operations represent the most significant U.S. military activity in the Middle East since Trump began his second term in January.

The Saudi foreign minister’s visit underscores the kingdom’s efforts to navigate a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape while reinforcing ties with Washington amid heightened regional tensions.