Saudi Arabia Plans Defense Pact with U.S., Joins Abraham Accords Amid Middle East Tensions

Saudi Arabia is seeking to regain favor with the United States after its previous geopolitical alignment with China and Russia failed to yield significant benefits. Riyadh is reportedly negotiating a defense pact with Washington similar to the U.S.–Qatar agreement, which would obligate the U.S. to defend Saudi Arabia against attacks, signaling a strategic shift. President Donald Trump has announced that Saudi Arabia and other Arab states may soon join the Abraham Accords, aiming to strengthen regional peace amid Iranian attempts to destabilize these efforts through proxy violence. Meanwhile, jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State continue to impose blockades and cause humanitarian crises in Sahel countries like Burkina Faso and Mali, where violence and displacement are worsening despite military governments' efforts. Interfaith dialogue has been emphasized by religious leaders as a vital tool to combat extremism and foster peace, with international conferences highlighting cooperation among Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism to address ethical challenges and reduce sectarian tensions. These developments underscore the complex geopolitical and social struggles in the Middle East and Sahel regions involving state actors, extremist groups, and religious communities.