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One-time President Donald Trump has largely ignored the killing of reporter Jamal Khashoggi, calling him an "extremely controversial" person that was not well-liked.

Oval Office Meeting alongside Saudi Crown Prince

The statements were made amid a presidential meeting with the Saudi crown prince, marking his inaugural appearance since the journalist's death in Istanbul.

Intelligence officials assessed that the prince had ordered the assassination, but Trump insisted that the prince "had no knowledge" regarding it.

The Former President's Reply to Journalist's Inquiry

Donald Trump additionally attacked the reporter who asked about the topic, implying that the media outlet ought to forfeit its license.

"A lot of individuals did not like that person you're talking about," Trump remarked. "Irrespective of personal views, events unfolded, yet he had no idea."

The Saudi leader replied, "It's painful and it's a huge mistake, and we are striving to prevent such incidents in future."

Economic Agreements and Military Sales

The talks also highlighted promised Saudi investment in the US, originally presented at six hundred billion dollars, though subsequently raised to a trillion-dollar sum.

Trump announced his intention to provide top-tier F-35 stealth fighter jets to Riyadh, despite concerns by Israeli officials as well as US intelligence.

Both leaders further acknowledged negotiations about a prospective arrangement for Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with Israel in return for a two-state solution.

Regional Concerns and Challenges

The potential fighter jet deal has sparked anxiety among Israeli officials, that has exclusive access to the F-35 in the Middle East.

Intelligence officials have expressed concern due to Saudi Arabia's extensive military cooperation with the Chinese, bringing up concerns over security breaches.

Nevertheless, the former president stated that Saudi Arabia is entitled to the same top-level planes as Israel, citing them being "good allies" of the US.

Additional Deals

Besides arms deals, US officials stated plans of massive Saudi Arabian investment in the United States' AI industry, along with deeper collaboration in civil nuclear power development.

"We are pleased to state that we will raise the initial amount to nearly $1 trillion," Prince Mohammed declared.

Diplomatic Complications

The former president's government is additionally pursuing a nuclear and security cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, that President Biden's team previously attempted unsuccessfully to finalize.

Yet, the ongoing situation, including the 2023 incident followed by subsequent Israeli military actions in the region, have made difficult the likelihood of normalization.

"Post-October 7, I think the price for Saudi to sign up to diplomatic ties with Israel has risen significantly," a former US Middle East negotiator remarked.

Future Discussions

"We want to participate the diplomatic deals, but we additionally seek to ensure a clear path toward Palestinian statehood," the crown prince declared.

The former president concurred, noting, "We held a productive talk regarding normalization. We talked about one state, two state."

"We talked about a lot briefly. We plan to explore additional aspects," Trump continued. "Yet, in my view you have a strong understanding of the agreements."

Debate Over Financial Ties

The encounter additionally contentious due to alleged connections between the Trump family's financial activities with Middle Eastern countries.

Trump dismissed any impropriety, stating he had "stepped away from his enterprises" while committed "full attention" to governing.

"I am not connected with my family's enterprises," he stated. "Their actions is acceptable. They do business worldwide. Their activities are limited in the kingdom, truthfully. I'm sure they could do a lot. And anything they've done has been positive."