Mohammed bin Salman

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
Born	(1985-08-31) August 31, 1985 Saudi Arabia
Occupation(s)	Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
Known for	Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Vision 2030, social and economic reforms

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (; born 31 August 1985), commonly referred to as MbS, serves as the de facto leader of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Officially, he holds the positions of Crown Prince and Prime Minister. As the designated heir apparent to the Saudi throne, he is the seventh son of King Salman of Saudi Arabia and the grandson of Ibn Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.

He is the eldest son from King Salman’s third marriage to Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain. After completing a law degree at King Saud University, Mohammed began advising his father in 2009. Following King Salman’s ascension in 2015, Mohammed was named deputy crown prince and appointed as the defense minister. He was elevated to crown prince in 2017 and took over as prime minister in 2022.

Since assuming the crown prince role, Mohammed has introduced a series of social and economic reforms with a liberalizing agenda. These include diminishing the power of the religious establishment by limiting the authority of the religious police, promoting women's rights, lifting the ban on women driving in 2018, and reducing restrictions imposed by the male-guardianship system in 2019. Despite these changes, activists advocating for women's rights continue to face repression. His economic blueprint, known as Saudi Vision 2030, seeks to diversify the nation’s economy beyond oil dependence by fostering growth in technology and expanding tourism, although oil remains a key component.

Under Mohammed’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has adopted a more assertive foreign policy aimed at enhancing its influence both regionally and globally while attracting foreign investments. The Kingdom has aligned its energy strategies with Russia, strengthened diplomatic and economic partnerships with China, and broadened ties across Africa, South America, and Asia. He has also directed the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen and played a significant role in intensifying both the Qatar diplomatic crisis and a diplomatic dispute with Canada in 2018.

Mohammed presides over an authoritarian regime that suppresses political opposition through imprisonment and torture; individuals have been detained for expressing dissent on social media platforms. Between 2017 and 2019, he orchestrated a crackdown targeting political figures and wealthy elites accused of corruption, confiscating assets valued up to US$800 billion and reinforcing his dominance over Saudi politics. A report released in 2021 by the United States Office of the Director of National Intelligence concluded that Mohammed ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Early life, education and career

Mohammed bin Salman was born on 31 August 1985 to Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz—who later ascended to the Saudi throne—and his third spouse, Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain. He is the eldest among his mother’s six offspring and ranks as the eighth child and seventh son of his father. His full brothers include Prince Turki and the current Defense Minister, Prince Khalid. Mohammed earned a bachelor's degree in law from King Saud University, where he graduated second in his cohort.

Early career

Following his graduation, Mohammed initially engaged in the private sector before joining his father’s team as an aide. He contributed as a consultant to the Experts Commission under the Saudi Cabinet. At 24 years old, on 15 December 2009, he officially entered the political arena as a special advisor to his father, who at that time was governor of Riyadh Province. His responsibilities also encompassed serving as secretary-general of the Riyadh Competitive Council, acting as special advisor to the chairman of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, and holding a board membership at Albir Society in Riyadh. In October 2011, following the death of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Prince Salman was appointed second deputy prime minister and minister of defence, subsequently naming Mohammed as his private advisor.

Chief of the Court

After Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz passed away in June 2012, Mohammed’s position advanced as his father assumed the roles of crown prince and first deputy prime minister. On 2 March 2013, he replaced Saud bin Nayef Al Saud as chief of the Crown Prince Court and was elevated to ministerial rank. Subsequently, on 25 April 2014, he received an appointment as state minister.

Minister of Defence

Upon King Abdullah’s death on 23 January 2015, Salman ascended to the throne. Mohammed was named minister of defence and secretary general of the royal court while maintaining his position as state minister.

The intensifying conflict in Yemen, marked by Houthi forces capturing northern regions and President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi stepping down, presented a significant challenge. Mohammed swiftly organized a coalition within the GCC to launch a military intervention after attacks occurred in Sana'a. This coalition initiated air campaigns and enforced a naval blockade. Beginning in March 2015, Saudi Arabia led these efforts against Houthi rebels with the objective of reinstating Hadi’s administration. However, coordination among Saudi security agencies was incomplete, notably excluding involvement from the Saudi National Guard minister. What was initially envisioned as a rapid operation transformed into a prolonged conflict characterized by attrition.

In April 2015, King Salman appointed his nephew Muhammad bin Nayef as crown prince and designated Mohammed as deputy crown prince. Later that year, Mohammed openly challenged US foreign policy during discussions between his father and President Barack Obama, and independently established an anti-terror military alliance without comprehensive consultation with all participating nations.

Mohammed granted his first public interview about the Yemen campaign to The Economist in January 2016, denying exclusive responsibility and stressing that decisions were made collectively by Saudi security bodies. He underscored that Houthi control had been established prior to his tenure as defence minister.

In response to threats posed by ISIL, Mohammed founded the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) in December 2015—a Saudi-led alliance targeting terrorism. The coalition held its inaugural meeting in Riyadh in November 2017 with defense ministers representing over 40 countries.

Crown prince

On 21 June 2017, Mohammed was named crown prince following King Salman's decision to remove Muhammad bin Nayef and designate his own son as the heir apparent. This change in succession had been anticipated in a 2015 memo from the German Federal Intelligence Service, which later attracted criticism from the German government.

The day Mohammed assumed the crown prince role, US President Donald Trump extended his congratulations, and both leaders committed to "close cooperation" on matters of security and economic significance. Their talks covered counterterrorism strategies, the diplomatic conflict involving Qatar, and initiatives aimed at fostering Israeli-Palestinian peace. Earlier that year, in April 2017, Mohammed told The Washington Post that Saudi Arabia would have become like North Korea if not for American cultural influence.

In April 2022, Prince Mohammed held a meeting with Pakistan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the al-Salam palace.

2017 purge

In May 2017, Mohammed bin Salman launched a sweeping crackdown on Saudi political and business elites under the pretext of combating corruption, emphasizing that no individual would be exempt "even if he is a prince or a minister." By November 2017, approximately 200 affluent princes and businessmen were confined under house arrest at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton hotel. Among those detained was billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, a significant investor in Citi, News Corp, and Twitter, alongside more than 40 princes and government officials accused of corruption and money laundering. Prominent figures removed from power included Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah, commander of the Saudi Arabian National Guard; Economy and Planning Minister Adel Fakeih; and Royal Saudi Navy leader Admiral Abdullah bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Sultan.

Reports indicated detainees suffered severe treatment such as physical abuse and stress positions during interrogations aimed at uncovering offshore holdings. Swiss financial institutions intervened to prevent transactions conducted under coercion. The process lacked judicial safeguards or plea negotiations; US officials characterized it as involving "coercion, abuse, and torture." Seventeen individuals required medical attention. After several days at the Ritz-Carlton, some detainees were transferred to Al-Ha'ir Prison while others were released but prohibited from leaving the country.

This purge significantly centralized authority with Mohammed bin Salman by dismantling the traditional consensus-driven governance among Saudi elites. It marginalized factions loyal to King Abdullah and consolidated control over all security forces. Additionally, the operation reinforced bin Salman’s grip on Saudi business circles and enabled widespread asset confiscations.

The New York Times highlighted these arrests as part of the Crown Prince’s strategy to strengthen his position following the establishment of an anticorruption committee under his leadership. Analysts debated whether detaining Al-Waleed bin Talal—a known critic of Donald Trump—represented a power seizure or genuine reform. BBC correspondent Frank Gardner described it as a consolidation of power amid ambiguous allegations. Some observers interpreted the purge as an effort to enforce legal accountability within the royal family to pave the way for broader economic reforms such as taxation changes. The crackdown resonated with many Saudis frustrated by corruption amid austerity but encountered opposition from conservatives advocating gradual reform.

Former US ambassador Robert W. Jordan recognized longstanding corruption issues but regarded the purge primarily as a traditional power maneuver cloaked in anticorruption rhetoric. On the international stage, President Trump publicly supported Saudi leadership’s actions while French President Emmanuel Macron avoided commenting on internal affairs during his visit to Riyadh.

On 30 January 2019, Saudi authorities declared the Anti-Corruption Committee’s operations complete. During the campaign, up to 500 individuals were detained; Saudi banks froze more than 2,000 domestic accounts. Estimates suggested assets worth as much as $800 billion were targeted, with officials claiming recovery of $300–400 billion directly connected to corrupt activities.

Prime Minister

On 27 September 2022, King Salman appointed Mohammed as the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, a position traditionally occupied by the monarch himself.

Ideology

Mohammed's political stance is characterized by a blend of nationalist and populist principles, merging conservative political views with progressive economic and social reforms. His approach to governance, influenced by former adviser Saud al-Qahtani and Abu Dhabi's leader Mohammed bin Zayed, is often described as authoritarian and severe. He advocates for an Arab nationalist platform both within Saudi Arabia and in its international relations, with a strong focus on countering Islamist factions.

Authoritarianism

Under Mohammed’s leadership, Saudi Arabia operates as a stringent authoritarian regime where activists championing human rights and women's rights frequently endure harassment and torture. Numerous opponents, journalists, and ex-officials have suffered torture or assassination. The government has pursued Saudi dissidents overseas, including the killing of The Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Mohammed defends widespread detentions of activists as essential measures to implement reforms and build a state grounded in Arab nationalism.

Throughout his administration, Mohammed has centralized authority, notably curtailing the influence of the Saudi religious police. On 29 January 2015, he assumed chairmanship of the newly created Council for Economic and Development Affairs, succeeding the dissolved Supreme Economic Commission. Following his elevation to deputy crown prince in April 2015, he gained royal decree control over Saudi Aramco.

Religious policy

David Ottaway from the Wilson Center identifies Mohammed’s most significant internal reform as diminishing the power held by the Saudi Wahhabi clerics, who command vast followings both domestically and internationally. Under his leadership, Western performers—such as singers, bands, dancers, and American female wrestlers—have been introduced to the kingdom’s entertainment scene, challenging religious conservatives resistant to secular Western culture. The administration promotes a renewed national identity that minimizes religious traditions and limits Islamic influence within cultural spheres. Journalist Graeme Wood observes that this marginalization of Islamic law is poised to profoundly transform Saudi society. Gabriella Perez suggests these societal shifts amount to secularist repression with potential consequences for freedom of religion.

In a 2018 discussion with The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, Mohammed portrayed Saudi Arabia’s religious composition as comprising both Sunni and Shiite Muslims, who are represented in government roles and academic institutions. He stressed the importance of following Islamic law based on the Qur'an, while recognizing the interpretive variations among the four Sunni madhhabs—Hanbali, Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Maliki.

Restrictions on religious police

In 2016, Mohammed drastically reduced the authority of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV), commonly known as the Islamic religious police. Once notorious for its extensive force empowered to detain and arrest individuals, the CPVPV was prohibited from pursuing, interrogating, or apprehending suspects. This reform coincided with the revival of the cinema sector, an expansion of social freedoms, and the acceptance of gender mixing and public dating. Nevertheless, these changes have been accompanied by heightened governmental oversight of independent political and religious expressions.

Reforms in the legal framework

Mohammed has asserted his position as wali al-amr (ruler) within Islamic jurisprudence, claiming direct control over religious affairs traditionally managed by conservative scholars. With a law degree from King Saud University, he challenges strict Wahhabi interpretations by advocating for fatwas that consider situational context rather than rigid application. He acknowledges only a limited portion of Hadith as legally authoritative, granting him substantial latitude to reinterpret Islamic law to align with contemporary reforms.

By early 2021, Mohammed mandated the formal codification of Saudi legal statutes to curtail the discretionary power of individual Wahhabi judges in applying Sharia law. Conservative religious figures have largely yielded to governmental influence, endorsing initiatives such as cinema reopenings and the removal of Wahhabi imams. This overhaul of the legal system supports Mohammed's broader agenda to modernize Saudi Arabia’s societal and economic environment while reinforcing state dominance over religious authority.

Abaya prohibition

In December 2022, Saudi Arabia's Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) implemented a ban preventing Muslim female students from wearing the traditional abaya at examination centers, mandating school uniforms instead. Subsequent clarifications specified that this restriction applies only to all-female examination venues administered by ETEC.

Vision 2030

Mohammed bin Salman has led a comprehensive economic transformation under Vision 2030, unveiled in April 2016. This strategic framework seeks to broaden economic diversification and privatization by enhancing non-oil revenue streams, advancing privatization efforts, fostering e-government initiatives, and promoting sustainable growth.

The plan addresses challenges inherent in Saudi Arabia’s rentier economy and concerns regarding finite oil reserves. While official estimates place reserves at 266.58 billion barrels, some experts suggest considerably lower quantities.

During the 2017 Future Investment Initiative, Mohammed introduced Neom, a $500 billion economic zone covering 26,000 km² along the Red Sea coast and extending into Jordan and Egypt. Neom aims to attract investments in renewable energy, biotechnology—including genetically engineered agriculture—robotics, and advanced manufacturing sectors. This announcement followed plans for developing a 34,000 km² luxury tourism destination on the Red Sea coast governed by international-standard regulations. In November 2017, Saudi Arabia declared intentions to issue tourist visas starting in 2018.

Mohammed also endeavored to reassert Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global oil markets by sustaining low prices designed to challenge competitors. After initial difficulties with U.S. shale producers, Saudi Arabia coordinated production cuts with OPEC partners in late 2016.

In September 2018, Mohammed inaugurated the $6.7 billion Haramain High Speed Railway, linking Mecca and Medina via a 450 km route capable of transporting up to 60 million passengers annually; commercial service commenced in October.

October 2018 saw Mohammed announce that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia was approaching $400 billion in assets with projections exceeding $600 billion by 2020.

In November 2018, he launched Saudi Arabia’s inaugural nuclear reactor project as part of an ambitious plan to construct sixteen nuclear facilities over twenty years. Efforts toward economic diversification also include wind and solar energy initiatives such as a 1.8 gigawatt solar power plant developed in partnership with SoftBank.

Petroleum sector in Saudi Arabia

As the top oil producer within OPEC, Saudi Arabia possesses the second-largest proven crude oil reserves globally. In September 2021, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed regarding elevated oil prices. By October 2022, the US National Security Council accused Saudi Arabia of deliberately reducing oil output to bolster Russian revenues and weaken sanctions, further alleging pressure exerted on fellow OPEC members.

The global energy crisis of 2021, characterized by unprecedented price surges, stemmed from a sharp increase in demand as economies rebounded from the COVID-19 downturn, especially across Asian markets. During this time, Saudi Arabia’s strategic policy choices played a pivotal role in shaping international oil markets.

Under the guidance of Mohammed, ties between Saudi Arabia and Russia deepened, facilitating synchronized oil export strategies. Significantly, in 2022 Saudi Arabia doubled its imports of Russian fuel oil for electricity generation, underscoring the growing energy collaboration between the two countries.

Sports industry

Since assuming de facto control in 2017, Mohammed has spearheaded substantial investments in the sports arena, securing prominent events such as the FIFA Club World Cup slated for 2034 and the Asian Games scheduled for 2029. In 2023, he highlighted sports as an integral element of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become one of the top 10 global tourist destinations, positioning it alongside sectors like mining, infrastructure development, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics as drivers of economic diversification.

Internal reforms

Mohammed founded an entertainment authority that introduced diverse activities including comedy performances, professional wrestling matches, and monster truck exhibitions. In 2016, he proposed a concept akin to "Green cards" for foreign nationals, which culminated in the 2019 launch of the Premium Residency program. This initiative permits expatriates to live indefinitely in the Kingdom while owning property and making investments.

Initial reform measures in April 2016 encompassed tax implementation and subsidy reductions alongside establishing a $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund and initiating the National Transformation Programme focused on diversifying the economy. Funding was generated through plans to partially privatize Saudi Aramco, with capital redirected into other industries. Despite some criticism regarding the Aramco IPO process, austerity steps included budget tightening, suspension of government contracts, and salary reductions for civil servants.

In April 2017, Mohammed unveiled plans for Qiddiya—a vast 334-square-kilometre complex near Riyadh dedicated to culture, sports, and entertainment featuring attractions like a safari park and a Six Flags amusement park.

By October 2017, Mohammed conceded that decades of ultra-conservative rule had impeded progress toward modernization. He called for a revival of "moderate Islam" that embraces religious openness and international engagement, signaling a recalibration of traditional power dynamics between the royal family and religious authorities. This approach aimed to foster industrial growth by encouraging a vibrant social environment beyond strict Wahhabi doctrines.

Cultural liberalization accelerated with Saudi Arabia’s inaugural public concert by female performers in December 2017 and the January 2018 opening of a Jeddah sports stadium that welcomed female spectators. By April 2018, cinemas reopened after a 35-year hiatus with ambitions to expand to over 2,000 screens nationwide by 2030.

During a 2019 60 Minutes interview, Mohammed extended an invitation to global observers to witness Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation firsthand.

On 26 April 2020, under King Salman and Mohammed bin Salman’s supervision, the Supreme Judicial Council eliminated flogging as a form of punishment—part of wider human rights reforms. The following day’s royal decree abolished capital punishment for offenses committed by minors.

Human rights

At the start of his leadership, Mohammed bin Salman championed various reforms within Saudi Arabia; however, human rights organizations have documented a rise in repression, including an uptick in activist detentions. Reports suggest he formed the clandestine "Tiger Squad," a unit tasked with targeting dissenters both inside the country and abroad. Among those detained in 2017 were Abdulaziz al-Shubaily, co-founder of ACPRA, academic Mustafa al-Hassan, and businessman Essam al-Zamel. Prior to the lifting of the ban on women driving in June 2018, 17 female activists—such as Loujain al-Hathloul—were arrested, with eight subsequently released. Other notable detainees included Hatoon al-Fassi.

In August 2018, Israa al-Ghomgham and her spouse faced possible death penalties, setting a concerning precedent for female activists. Human Rights Watch condemned this action, emphasizing the regime’s severe repression despite its purported reform agenda. On 23 April 2019, 37 predominantly Shia activists involved in the Qatif conflict were executed in one of the largest mass executions targeting minority sect members in Saudi history.

In August 2019, Loujain al-Hathloul’s family disclosed that authorities offered her release if she recanted claims of torture and sexual abuse while imprisoned; she declined and refused to accept the offer.

Despite widespread criticism, Mohammed bin Salman introduced limited measures to improve women's rights: he ended the female driving ban in September 2017; curtailed elements of the male guardianship system; and from August 2019 allowed women over age 21 to obtain passports and travel abroad without needing male guardian consent. In February 2018, Saudi women acquired legal authority to establish businesses independently of male permission. Additionally, mothers gained automatic custody of their children after divorce without requiring court intervention.

February 2017 marked a milestone when Saudi Arabia appointed its first female chairperson to the Saudi Stock Exchange, reflecting gradual progress for women’s participation in the business realm.

Arrest of Muhammad bin Nayef

On 6 March 2020, Muhammad bin Nayef was detained along with his half-brother Nawwaf bin Nayef and King Salman's brother Ahmed bin Abdulaziz on charges of treason. The Saudi authorities accused them of plotting to overthrow Mohammed bin Salman.

Allegations of poisoning plot against King Abdullah

In a 2021 CBS interview, former Saudi intelligence official Saad al-Jabri claimed that in 2014 Mohammed bin Salman discussed plans to assassinate King Abdullah to facilitate his father’s rise to power. Al-Jabri described Mohammed as "a psychopath" wielding vast resources that pose global threats. These allegations were denied by Mohammed, while the Saudi embassy dismissed al-Jabri as a discredited former official.

Military involvement in Syria and Yemen

Mohammed bin Salman is widely identified as the principal architect behind the conflict in Yemen. On 10 January 2016, German intelligence labeled him a political risk-taker destabilizing the Arab region through proxy conflicts in Yemen and Syria—an assessment contested by Saudi officials.

He directs the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen aimed at combating Houthi rebels who captured Sana'a in 2015, overthrowing the Saudi-supported government of President Hadi and halting prior political negotiations. Coalition airstrikes have resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, leading to accusations of war crimes. After a Houthi missile strike on Riyadh in December 2017, subsequent Saudi air raids killed over 130 Yemeni civilians within eleven days. The United Nations reported that all parties involved have committed human rights violations potentially constituting war crimes.

The ongoing war and blockade have cost Saudi Arabia tens of billions of dollars while worsening Yemen’s humanitarian disaster and destroying infrastructure; nevertheless, they have failed to remove Houthi control over Sana'a. Between 2015 and 2019, it is estimated that more than 85,000 Yemeni children under five died due to starvation linked to the blockade and conflict. In March 2018, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates contributed US$930 million to the UN's Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan, covering nearly one-third of its $2.96 billion funding target.

Following the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved sanctions against individuals obstructing humanitarian aid access in Yemen and halted arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Senator Lindsey Graham described Mohammed bin Salman as "toxic" and detrimental to US-Saudi relations.

British foreign secretaries Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt faced criticism for backing arms exports to Saudi Arabia amid the Yemen conflict; notably, Hunt’s leadership bid received financial support from an associate linked to Mohammed.

In August 2020, court documents revealed that in 2015 Mohammed covertly sought Russian military involvement in Syria as Assad’s regime weakened—despite Saudi backing for opposition forces. Western diplomats observed that Mohammed was influenced by Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who favored Russian intervention to stabilize Syria under Assad’s rule. Reports also indicate that some weapons supplied by Saudi Arabia ended up with Islamic State militants. In 2018, Mohammed advocated for maintaining US troops in Syria despite President Trump’s announcement of withdrawal.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia began efforts to reintegrate Syria into the Arab League and extended economic assistance following the February earthquake. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attended the Arab League summit held in Jeddah in May 2023, where he met with Mohammed bin Salman.

Relations with Israel

In December 2017, Mohammed openly criticized the United States' move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The following year, he expressed support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel, marking an unprecedented stance from a high-ranking Saudi royal. Nevertheless, in September 2019, he voiced strong opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to annex the Jordan Valley in the West Bank. By 2020, Mohammed held confidential meetings with Netanyahu and Mossad chief Yossi Cohen in Neom.

The United States has persistently advocated for Saudi-Israeli normalization, promoting the Abraham Accords as a landmark “deal of the century,” although Riyadh initially dismissed progress reports on this front. By 2023, negotiations spearheaded by the U.S. sought to formalize diplomatic relations, with Mohammed indicating that Saudi Arabia was gradually moving toward normalization within the framework of the Abraham Accords. During the Gaza conflict, he called for an international arms embargo targeting Israel.

In January 2024, amid ongoing hostilities, Mohammed conveyed to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken his openness toward normalization but acknowledged the deep-rooted Palestinian solidarity among Saudis. Early polling during Israel’s military actions in Gaza revealed that over 90% of Saudi citizens supported severing ties with Israel.

By August 2024, Mohammed disclosed concerns for his personal safety due to assassination threats linked to his pro-normalization position and stressed that any agreement must guarantee a definitive route to Palestinian statehood amid the Israel-Palestine conflict. Following Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Syria in September 2024, Saudi Arabia intensified its rejection of normalization efforts. In his annual address to the Shura Council, Mohammed affirmed that Saudi Arabia would withhold normalization until Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

At the Riyadh Summit in November 2024, Mohammed condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza as “collective genocide” and called for respect toward Iran’s territorial sovereignty.

Relationship with Russia

Under Mohammed’s stewardship, Saudi Arabia reinforced its ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2016, he signed a cooperation agreement with Russia focused on global oil market collaboration. Following allegations surrounding Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination, Putin was among a select group of leaders who openly supported the crown prince. Russia has refrained from criticizing Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen and endorsed the United Nations arms embargo targeting Houthi forces. In 2021, Mohammed formalized a military cooperation pact with Russia.

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent estrangement from Western nations, Mohammed further solidified relations with Putin and broadened Saudi-Russian cooperation. Both countries have coordinated through OPEC to reduce oil production and elevate prices. In September 2022, Saudi mediation played a key role in securing the release of five British and two American prisoners of war captured in Ukraine. Russia’s 2023 foreign policy strategy emphasizes strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia. In December 2023, Putin traveled to Saudi Arabia for talks with Mohammed.

On 10 March 2025, Crown Prince Mohammed welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Riyadh ahead of U.S.-Ukraine negotiations. Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as an impartial mediator in international disputes, highlighting its expanding influence as a diplomatic intermediary.

Relations with Turkey

In March 2018, Mohammed bin Salman described Turkey as part of a "triangle of evil," grouping it with Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood. Nevertheless, he spearheaded a rapprochement in 2022 that enhanced diplomatic ties between the two nations. By July 2023, Saudi Arabia and Turkey finalized a major agreement for Saudi Arabia to acquire Turkish Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı drones.

Relations with the Trump Administration

In August 2016, Donald Trump Jr. engaged in a meeting with an envoy representing Mohammed bin Salman and Abu Dhabi's crown prince, offering support for Trump's presidential campaign. The gathering featured notable individuals including Israeli social media strategist Joel Zamel and Blackwater founder Erik Prince. Following Trump's election victory, Mohammed, then serving as deputy crown prince, was accorded treatment comparable to foreign heads of state during his White House visit.

Mohammed publicly supported the Trump administration’s travel ban targeting seven Muslim-majority nations, asserting that Saudi Arabia did not interpret the policy as an attack on Islam. Jared Kushner actively explored avenues to bolster Mohammed's path to succession. After Mohammed ascended to crown prince, Trump reportedly remarked, "We've put our man on top."

Initially, Trump backed the Saudi-led blockade against Qatar despite opposition from his Secretary of State and Defense officials; he later adjusted his position. Reports indicate Mohammed claimed Kushner supplied intelligence on internal adversaries during the 2017–19 Saudi purge, an action endorsed by Trump. The administration also stood firmly behind Mohammed amid international condemnation following Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination.

Relations with the Biden Administration

During the Trump era in 2019, Joe Biden criticized Mohammed as a pariah in response to the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi. In July 2021, Saudi deputy defense minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud—Mohammed’s brother—visited the United States for the highest-level talks since Khashoggi’s death. In September 2021, Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Mohammed, who reportedly reacted with anger when questioned about Khashoggi.

Trade between the US and Saudi Arabia dropped sharply from $76 billion in 2012 to approximately $29 billion by 2021. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Saudi Arabia declined US appeals to increase oil output, hindering efforts to reduce Russia’s war funding. In April 2022, the Wall Street Journal characterized US-Saudi relations as being at their lowest point in decades. That same month, CIA Director William Burns met Mohammed to discuss oil production levels and Saudi arms acquisitions from China.

Relations worsened further when OPEC+ cut oil production by two million barrels daily, prompting US accusations that Saudi Arabia was siding with Russia—claims Riyadh denied, emphasizing market stability concerns. Saudi Arabia’s refusal to postpone the OPEC decision until after the 2022 US elections led President Biden to warn of possible "consequences."

Despite ongoing tensions over oil policy during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, bilateral relations improved following Biden’s official visit to Saudi Arabia, accompanied by Pentagon approval of a $500 million arms deal, a bipartisan Senate delegation visit, and relaxed restrictions on sales of offensive weaponry.

Engagement with the second Trump administration

Between 13 and 16 May 2025, Donald Trump embarked on his initial significant overseas trip during his second term, touring Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. During this visit, Trump and Mohammed inked a "strategic economic partnership" pact. This trip enhanced Mohammed's influence within the Saudi leadership, especially as King Salman remained largely out of the public eye and did not appear during the visit. Unlike the 2017 Riyadh summit, it was Mohammed who welcomed Trump at King Khalid International Airport, instead of Salman.

Relations with Qatar

On 5 June 2017, under Mohammed's leadership, Saudi Arabia spearheaded a diplomatic crisis against Qatar in coordination with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt by severing diplomatic relations and initiating a blockade. The coalition accused Qatar of supporting terrorism, maintaining ties with Iran, and criticized Al Jazeera's reporting. Mohammed characterized the dispute as potentially enduring but minimized its significance, referring to Qatar as "smaller than a Cairo street." In August 2018, reports surfaced that former US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had intervened in June 2017 to halt a Saudi-Emirati plan to invade Qatar, an action that contributed to increased calls for his dismissal.

On 4 January 2021, Qatar and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement to resolve the crisis through mediation by Kuwait and the United States. Saudi Arabia reopened its border with Qatar and initiated steps toward reconciliation. This accord was officially ratified on 5 January 2021 following a Gulf Cooperation Council summit held at Al-'Ula.

Saad Hariri's resignation

In November 2017, Mohammed compelled Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri to resign during a visit to Saudi Arabia amid suspicions that Hariri was under the influence of Iran-backed Hezbollah, a prominent political entity in Lebanon. Subsequently, Hariri was released, returned to Lebanon, and withdrew his resignation.

Saudi–Canadian diplomatic dispute

On 2 August 2018, Canada's foreign minister Chrystia Freeland publicly condemned Saudi Arabia over the detention of human rights activist Samar Badawi, sister of imprisoned blogger Raif Badawi, calling for their release. In retaliation, Saudi Arabia expelled Canada's ambassador and suspended trade relations. Analysts interpreted Mohammed's reaction as a warning directed at both international and domestic human rights advocates regarding Saudi Arabia’s position. Diplomatic ties were eventually restored on 24 May 2023.

Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi

In October 2018, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, known for his critical stance toward Mohammed bin Salman, vanished after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Turkish authorities alleged that Khashoggi was tortured and killed by a 15-member Saudi team that included a forensic medical expert. Saudi officials denied any involvement, inviting Turkish investigators to search the consulate while stating they were actively trying to locate him. According to the Washington Post, Mohammed had attempted to lure Khashoggi back to Saudi Arabia for detention.

The Middle East Eye reported that seven suspects were part of Mohammed's personal security detail. John Sawers, former head of British MI6, assessed it as "very likely" that Mohammed ordered the killing. Following this event, Mohammed earned the nickname "Mister Bone Saw," alluding to alleged use of a bone saw in disposing of Khashoggi’s remains. While Mohammed denied responsibility and attributed the incident to rogue operatives, Western governments remained skeptical. Then-US President Donald Trump described Saudi Arabia’s response as "one of the worst in the history of cover-ups," implying Mohammed had at least prior knowledge.

Subsequently, close aides Ahmad Asiri and former advisor Saud al-Qahtani were dismissed from their positions. Recordings from Turkish intelligence reportedly include a call stating "tell your boss, the deed was done," with US officials identifying "boss" as Crown Prince Mohammed. The caller was Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, often seen accompanying the prince.

Seven weeks later, Saudi Arabia pursued capital punishment for five suspects charged with orchestrating and carrying out the murder in an effort to distance Mohammed from direct involvement.

On 16 November 2018, the CIA concluded with "high confidence" that Mohammed ordered Khashoggi’s assassination based on intercepted communications and motive linked to Khashoggi’s Islamist connections. In December 2018, US senators briefed by CIA director Gina Haspel confirmed Mohammed's significant role; Senator Lindsey Graham stated it was executed under his directive. UN Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for an international inquiry.

Prince Turki bin Faisal dismissed these CIA conclusions as inaccurate. In March 2019, US senators harshly criticized Mohammed’s governance style as having turned "full gangster," citing widespread human rights violations in Saudi Arabia.

A June 2019 UN report connected Mohammed to the assassination. That same month, The Guardian disclosed that following Khashoggi’s death, its media group faced cyberattacks from a Saudi cybersecurity unit linked to Saud al-Qahtani. Later interviews in 2019 showed Mohammed accepting responsibility for events occurring under his watch but denying prior knowledge or direct involvement.

On 25 February 2021, a declassified US intelligence report indicated Mohammed approved an operation aimed at capturing or killing Khashoggi. UN Special Rapporteur Agnès Callamard urged US sanctions targeting Mohammed’s assets and limiting his international engagements.

When assuming office as Saudi prime minister on 18 November 2022, Mohammed received immunity from US prosecution concerning Khashoggi’s murder; nonetheless, the Biden administration emphasized this did not equate to exoneration.

Intimidation of Saad al-Jabri

On 9 July 2020, a group of four US senators appealed to President Trump to intervene for the release of Saad al-Jabri's children, Omar and Sarah, describing it as a "moral duty" to aid a man who had supported US intelligence efforts and maintained close connections with the Saudi royal family. Omar and Sarah were detained by Saudi authorities in March 2020, and their current status remains undisclosed. The Saudi regime also submitted an extradition request and issued Interpol alerts for al-Jabri, who had served as a US anti-terrorism liaison in the Middle East and had been living in Canada since 2018. Subsequently, the Interpol notice was withdrawn, citing his position as a political adversary of Mohammed bin Salman.

In August 2020, al-Jabri initiated a federal lawsuit in Washington, DC, accusing Mohammed bin Salman of sending a "Tiger Squad" to Canada in October 2018 with the intention of assassinating him. Al-Jabri had been a close confidant of Mohammed’s rival, Muhammad bin Nayef. Canadian authorities identified and repelled the squad. Following the filing, the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued summonses to Mohammed bin Salman and eleven others, warning that failure to respond could result in default judgments. Legal documents disclosed that Mohammed received the lawsuit on 22 September 2020 through WhatsApp, with the message marked as "read" within twenty minutes.

Relations with China

Since Mohammed bin Salman became crown prince in 2017, Saudi-China relations have deepened significantly; bilateral trade expanded from $51.5 billion to $87.5 billion by 2021. In 2019, Mohammed publicly defended China’s actions in Xinjiang, endorsing its anti-terrorism policies despite widespread international condemnation. China has been Saudi Arabia’s principal economic partner since 2014, while Saudi Arabia remains China's top supplier of oil. Chinese officials have woven Saudi Vision 2030 into the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, broadening cooperation across economic, cultural, strategic, and military domains.

From 2021 onward, China has played a role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s ballistic missile capabilities via technology sharing and joint manufacturing projects. During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Riyadh in December 2022, both nations upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership—the highest tier within China’s diplomatic hierarchy—and inked numerous commercial agreements. This pact enhanced military and security collaboration, including cooperative production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Saudi Arabia. Xi also encouraged Gulf Cooperation Council members to conduct oil trade using Renminbi to promote its global adoption.

At the 2022 Airshow China held in Zhuhai, Saudi Arabia secured an arms contract valued at $4 billion with China, acquiring drones, ballistic missiles, Silent Hunter directed-energy weapons, and technology transfer agreements for local manufacturing. On 10 March 2023, after confidential negotiations facilitated by China in Beijing, Saudi Arabia and Iran consented to reestablish diplomatic relations that had been severed since 2016.

Hack of Jeff Bezos's phone

In March 2019, security expert Gavin de Becker, acting on behalf of Jeff Bezos, accused Saudi Arabia of infiltrating Bezos’s phone. At that time, Bezos was recognized as the world’s wealthiest individual and owned The Washington Post alongside leading Amazon.

A forensic analysis released by FTI Consulting in January 2020 concluded with "medium to high confidence" that Bezos’s phone was compromised through a multimedia message sent in May 2018 from Mohammed’s WhatsApp account; subsequent data transmissions from the device increased sharply. The report drew on circumstantial evidence: a November 2018 message from Mohammed contained an image resembling a woman linked to Bezos’s then-private affair; additionally, a February 2019 text from Mohammed cautioned Bezos against trusting all information amid a Saudi-led cyber campaign targeting him.

United Nations special rapporteurs Agnès Callamard and David Kaye asserted that this alleged hack implied Mohammed aimed to influence or suppress The Washington Post's coverage concerning Saudi Arabia. They connected this event to broader concerns regarding Mohammed’s role in the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was employed by The Washington Post.

Environmentalism

Under Mohammed's stewardship, Saudi Arabia has actively sought to dilute international agreements aimed at reducing carbon emissions. He has pledged that Saudi Arabia will achieve net zero emissions, predominantly relying on carbon capture and storage technologies that remain largely unproven.

Personal life

On 6 April 2008, Mohammed married his first cousin Sara bint Mashour, daughter of his paternal uncle Mashour bin Abdulaziz. Together they have five children; their first four are named after their grandparents while the youngest bears the name of their great-grandfather King Abdulaziz, founder of modern Saudi Arabia. In 2022, The Economist reported an incident involving Mohammed severely assaulting Sara necessitating medical attention.

In 2015, Mohammed acquired the Italian-built yacht Serene, registered in Bermuda, from Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shefler for €500 million. That same year he purchased Château Louis XIV in France for over $300 million. In 2018, Forbes ranked him as the eighth most powerful individual worldwide with an estimated fortune exceeding $25 billion; other estimates placed his wealth closer to $3 billion.

Reports emerged in December 2017 suggesting that Mohammed—through an associate Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Farhan—purchased Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi for a record $450 million. This claim was denied by Christie's auction house as well as by the Saudi embassy and UAE government—the latter asserting ownership. The painting has not been publicly exhibited since but is rumored to be aboard Mohammed's yacht Serene. Historian Bernard Haykel stated it is stored in Geneva with plans for its display at a major Riyadh museum intended as a premier tourist attraction comparable to the Mona Lisa.

Honours

• • Exceptional Class Member of the Order of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (25 November 2018)
  • Grand Cordon distinction of the Order of the Republic (28 November 2018)
  • Recipient of the Nishan-e-Pakistan (18 February 2019)
  • First Class Civil award of the Order of Oman (7 December 2021)
  • Collar awarded by the Order of Zayed (7 December 2021)
  • Collar of the Order of Al-Hussein bin Ali conferred (21 June 2022)
  • First Class honour of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (30 December 2023)

See also

• List of current heirs apparent
• List of state leaders by age#Youngest serving state leaders

External links

• Official Profile on House of Saud website
• Saudi King's Son Allegedly Planned to Remove His Rival – The New York Times, 18 July 2017
• The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia – Frontline, PBS, 1 October 2019

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