How much does Saudi Arabia really rely on the US?

Donald Trump claims King Salman would ‘not last two weeks’ without American military support

Donald Trump shakes hands with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Donald Trump with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a White House meeting in March
(Image credit: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)

Donald Trump has laid bare the Middle East’s primary power dynamic, claiming that Saudi Arabia and its King would not last “two weeks” in power without American military support.

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