French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia resulted in a new strategic partnership focusing on defense, energy, and cultural cooperation. The visit comes amidst a political crisis in France and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with Macron seeking Saudi support for Lebanon and a broader regional de-escalation.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed concerns about potential assassination threats due to his ongoing efforts to normalize relations with Israel. He reportedly raised these fears during negotiations with US lawmakers, citing the fate of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat who was assassinated after making peace with Israel. The Prince’s fears stem from potential backlash within Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world, where support for Palestine remains strong.
