Saudi leader to discuss these deals with Trump. And, House votes on Epstein files today

"President Trump will host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the White House today. It's his first visit since the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist and Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in Istanbul, which led to global condemnation. The two leaders have business and security deals to announce, NPR's Aya Batrawy tells Up First. The defense pact would give Saudi Arabia guarantees that the U.S. would use military measures if necessary."

"MBS also wants advanced F-35 jets that currently only Israel flies in the Middle East. The Saudis are also seeking U.S. civilian nuclear technology and advanced AI chips, and in exchange, the crown prince says he is prepared to invest $600 billion in the U.S. The U.N. Security Council yesterday adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution endorsing Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza and authorizing an international stabilization force for the territory."

"The Security Council resolution only alludes to a possible pathway to Palestinian statehood, Michele Kelemen reports. Russia's Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya, who abstained in the vote, emphasized that the resolution shouldn't serve as a cover for the U.S. and Israel in controlling Gaza, or signal the end of a two-state solution. The House of Representatives is expected to vote today on a measure to release documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein."

President Trump will host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House for the prince's first visit since the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Leaders aim to announce business and security deals, including a defense pact guaranteeing potential U.S. military measures, Saudi requests for advanced F‑35 jets, civilian nuclear technology, and advanced AI chips, and a proposed $600 billion Saudi investment in the U.S. The U.N. Security Council adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution endorsing a plan to end the Gaza war and authorize an international stabilization force; Russia abstained and warned against sidelining the two-state solution. The House may vote on a bill to compel release of Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days.

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