Saudi Arabia | Council on Foreign Relations

Iran

What Iran’s Protests Mean for Countries in the Middle East

The protests in Iran could have a sweeping effect in a region already jolted by historic changes over the past year. Four CFR fellows assess how Israel, the Gulf States, Lebanon, and Turkey view the developing movement.

by Elliott Abrams , Steven A. Cook , Elisa Ewers and Henri J. Barkey January 13, 2026 Middle East Program
Saudi Arabia

The Business of U.S.-Saudi Diplomacy

CFR President Michael Froman analyzes the outcomes of this week’s meeting between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

by Michael Froman November 21, 2025
Saudi Arabia

How Significant Is the Latest U.S.-Saudi Embrace?

The first visit of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince to the White House in seven years affirmed the importance of the two countries’ partnership in the Middle East, but questions remain over how much influence Saudi Arabia has in broader regional peace efforts.

by Steven A. Cook November 20, 2025 Middle East Program

Human Rights

The New Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

This year’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are a creditable effort, but Trump administration uninterest in human rights policy (and in the reports) is undermining the cause of human rights.

by Elliott Abrams August 18, 2025 Pressure Points
Saudi Arabia

Navigating Saudi Arabia’s Future: Power and Change in the Kingdom

Panelists discuss Saudi Arabia’s growing geopolitical role, the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the transformation of the Kingdom from recent reforms.Copies of The Man Who Would Be King: Mohammed bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia will be available for purchase.If you wish to attend virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this hybrid event will be posted on the CFR website.

Virtual Event by F. Gregory Gause III, Karen Elliott House, Michael A. Ratney and Frances Fragos Townsend July 30, 2025
United States

Trump’s Persian Gulf Visit: Regional Conflict Clouds a Business Agenda

President Donald Trump is again kicking off a presidential term by traveling to friendly Gulf states to transact business, but could find his trip overshadowed by Mideast tensions.

by Steven A. Cook May 8, 2025 Middle East Program

Middle East and North Africa

The Trump Administration’s Approach to the Middle East

Panelists discuss the Trump administration’s role in the Israel-Hamas peace negotiations, U.S. relations with other Middle East countries, and the administration’s priorities regarding U.S. involvement and stability in the region. This meeting is part of CFR’s Transition 2025 series, which examines the major foreign policy issues confronting the Trump administration. Please note there is no virtual component to the meeting. The audio, video, and transcript of the discussion portion of this event will be posted on the CFR website.

Event with Elliott Abrams , Bernard Haykel, Denise Natali and Missy Ryan March 28, 2025 Middle East Program
Saudi Arabia

Letter From Saudi Arabia: How the Kingdom Is Focused Inward

The Saudis are determined to prevent the distractions of their dangerous neighborhood from getting in the way of Vision 2030 and the rapid modernization of their country.

by Michael Froman November 22, 2024
Human Rights

Women This Week: Saudi Arabia to Chair the Commission on the Status of Women

Welcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers March 23 to March 29.

by Noël James March 29, 2024 Women Around the World
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Israel-Hamas War: Regional Ripple Effects

Panelists discuss the war’s effect on the Gulf Arab signatories of the Abraham Accords, the Saudi Arabia-Israel relationship, and the future of the Biden administration’s Middle East policy.

Virtual Event by Elliott Abrams , F. Gregory Gause III, Amr Hamzawy and Janine Zacharia December 13, 2023 Middle East Program
Indo-Pacific

Biden and Xi at APEC, Macron’s Gaza Conference, Arab League Emergency Summit, and More

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit begins in San Francisco with U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping set to meet on the sidelines; French President Emmanuel Macron hosts a humanitarian conference to discuss new aid options for civilians in the Gaza Strip; the Arab League holds an emergency summit in Riyadh at the request of the Palestinian Authority and Saudi Arabia; and the United States and China discuss nuclear arms control.

Podcast with Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins November 9, 2023 The World Next Week
Human Rights

Women This Week: French Athletes Prohibited from Playing in Hijab for 2024 Olympic Games

Welcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers September 23 to September 29.

by Noël James September 29, 2023 Women Around the World
Saudi Arabia

Young Professionals Briefing Series: Investing in the Game: Is it Sportswashing?

Panelists discuss the unprecedented investment in international sports by Gulf nations, the phenomenon of “sportswashing” in the region, and the political, economic, and human rights implications of those campaigns.

Virtual Event by Sarah Yager, Karen E. Young and Elise Labott September 6, 2023
Israel

The President’s Inbox Recap: Israeli-Saudi Peace Deal

A peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia could help stabilize the region.

by Michelle Kurilla August 25, 2023 The Water's Edge
Russia

EU Crackdowns on Big Tech, After Prigozhin, Two Years of Taliban, and More

Major technology companies rush to comply with the European Union (EU) Digital Services Act, which makes online platforms responsible for moderating harmful content; questions mount about the Russian private military company Wagner Group after its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is reportedly killed in a plane crash; the Taliban enters its third year in power since the U.S. military evacuated from Afghanistan; and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian visits Saudi Arabia as the former rival countries to normalize relations.

Podcast with Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins August 24, 2023 The World Next Week