President Donald Trump designated Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally on Tuesday, opening opportunities for more defense trade and security cooperation between the United States and its key partner in the Middle East.

Why It Matters

The United States grants the designation to close allies that have strategic working relationships with the U.S. military and are not members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Saudi Arabia’s neighbors in the Middle East, including Israel, will be watching to see the implications of the designation while human rights groups critical of Saudi Arabia’s record are likely to raise objections.

What To Know

Trump made the announcement at a dinner for visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, after they held talks that included the signing of

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