Musk and MBS: Interesting allies at Trump’s Riyadh address

Trump’s Riyadh speech: Musk & MBS unite as allies, sealing $600B deals at U.S.-Saudi Forum. Oil, tech, and power collide!

Karl Mehta explains the strategic brilliance of Trump in a viral thread on X.

In a bold move that marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, Donald Trump has reignited America’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, culminating in a historic $142 billion military equipment deal—the largest in U.S.-Saudi history.

This development, announced on May 13, 2025, is not just a transaction but a strategic reset of America’s presence in the Middle East, as detailed in a series of posts by Karl Mehta on X.

The agreement, signed in Riyadh, includes not only massive military purchases but also multi-billion-dollar commercial agreements with tech giants, signaling a comprehensive overhaul of U.S. engagement in the region.

Mehta’s thread on X captures the essence of this transformation, highlighting how Trump’s approach contrasts sharply with previous administrations’ strategies.

A New Era of U.S.-Saudi Relations

The transformation of Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has earned Trump’s explicit approval. In a calculated message, Trump acknowledged the failure of Western intervention, stating, “You achieved a modern miracle the Arabian way.”

This statement, as Mehta points out, redefines how America approaches regional development, moving away from traditional military interventions towards economic partnerships.

The visual evidence of this new era is striking. A photograph shared by Mehta shows President Trump and Crown Prince MBS walking together in Riyadh, symbolizing the strengthened alliance.

The backdrop of Air Force One further emphasizes the high-level nature of this diplomatic engagement.

Strategic Shifts and Economic Benefits

Mehta’s analysis delves into the strategic brilliance behind Trump’s policies. The immediate termination of Syria sanctions is a prime example.

This move, as captured in a video from the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, accomplishes three key objectives: creating goodwill with regional powers, opening new markets for American business, and isolating Iran from its proxy state.

The timeline is critical, with Secretary Rubio scheduled to meet Syria’s foreign minister within days, ensuring maximum economic advantage before competitors can position themselves.

The economic benefits for the U.S. are substantial. The $142 billion in military contracts will feed the defense sector, create high-paying jobs, and stabilize energy prices, benefiting American consumers.

Moreover, the approach delivers regional security without the need for massive troop deployments, a point Mehta emphasizes in his thread.

Trump’s Negotiation Playbook with Iran

Trump’s approach to Iran is equally strategic. After condemning the regime’s destructive influence, he unexpectedly pivoted, offering, “I want to make a deal with Iran.”

This classic destabilization technique, as Mehta describes, offers what the opponent least expects.

If rejected, Trump has warned of “massive maximum pressure” to crush Iran’s economy, ensuring Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. This dual approach creates negotiating leverage that America previously lacked.

A video from the forum captures Trump’s address, where he states, “The sanctions were brutal and crippling but served their purpose.

Now it’s their time to shine.” This rhetoric frames his return as essential for regional stability, contrasting it with the policies of the Biden administration, which Mehta argues enabled events like October 7th by allowing Iran the resources to fund groups like Hamas.

A Global Vision

Trump’s vision extends beyond the Middle East. Mehta’s thread outlines a strategy that could expand globally, prioritizing economic incentives over military threats, bilateral deals that favor American interests, and strategic partnerships with regional powers.

This marks the end of the post-Cold War global system, ushering in a new era where America and its allies prosper together.

The U.S.-Saudi reset, as Mehta concludes, is not just diplomacy but a complete reinvention of American global leadership. It delivers three key American interests: military contracts worth $142 billion, energy price stabilization, and regional security without casualties.

This approach, captured in various videos and images from the forum, promises immediate and substantial economic benefits, reducing inflation pressure and opening new export markets for American technology giants.

The Golden Age

As Trump envisions a “golden age” where “we will work together, we will succeed together,” the biggest foreign policy reset in decades is now underway.

Karl Mehta’s detailed analysis on X, supported by visual and video evidence, underscores the transformative nature of these developments.

The strategic shifts, economic gains, and redefined approach to regional and global engagement signal a new chapter in U.S. foreign policy, one that prioritizes prosperity and security through partnership rather than intervention.

Karl Mehta is a commentator on AI and politics, known for his insightful analyses on X. Follow him at

@karlmehta for more content.