Trump hails strong ties with Saudi Arabia, optimistic about kingdom's future

On Friday, US President Donald Trump told reporters that Saudi Arabia might accept Israeli aid in combating the Houthis in Yemen, suggesting that talks to reconnect the kingdom with the Abraham Accords could be revived. When asked directly whether Saudi Arabia should receive Israeli assistance against the Houthis, Trump responded, "Yes, I think so."

He further emphasized his confidence in Saudi Arabia's possible cooperation, stating, "I think they will do it. Absolutely," and adding, "Israel has been very helpful to Saudi Arabia, and yes, they would certainly do it."

Trump also voiced optimism regarding the Abraham Accords, expressing that they could regain momentum with Saudi Arabia: "Perhaps more than ever." He reiterated that the Abraham Accords are one of the administration's greatest achievements and reiterated his belief that Saudi Arabia is eager to receive assistance from both Israel and the United States.

The comments by Trump align with previous statements from his administration, where a US-Saudi civilian nuclear deal was contingent on Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel and rejoining the Abraham Accords. The intensified attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia, including an assault on the Saudi presidential palace complex and the King Khalid International Airport, have heightened the need for such cooperation.