Foreign Affairs Forum

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Saudi Arabia and US relationship

The relationships among Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Iran are intricate and influenced by a multitude of historical, political, and economic factors. The following is a neutral overview of each relationship:

**Saudi Arabia and the United States**

- **Historical Alliance:** The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States originated in the 1930s, primarily revolving around oil and security. The United States has served as a significant supplier of military equipment and political support to Saudi Arabia in exchange for access to its extensive oil reserves. Saudi’s spent over $500 billion for defence equipment from US, till congress out their foot down to slow down export due to use against Yemen.

- **Strategic Partnership:** Both nations have engaged in cooperation on various regional issues, including counterterrorism, the fight against extremism, and the management of Iranian influence within the Middle East. The United States has regarded Saudi Arabia as an essential ally in preserving stability in the Gulf region.

- **Challenges:** The partnership has encountered difficulties, particularly concerning human rights issues. Additionally, the United States has increasingly adopted a more critical stance towards this relationship in recent years.