From 13 to 16 May 2025, Donald J. Trump, the 47th President of the United States, undertook his first major international tour of his second term, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Accompanied by a Republican delegation and several prominent business leaders, including senior adviser Elon Musk, the four-day trip centred on strengthening diplomatic ties, negotiating defence and economic deals, and addressing regional security concerns—particularly lifting sanctions on Syria.
Strategic Concerns in the Gulf
A core theme of the visit was reducing tensions among the sons of Abraham and encouraging peaceful coexistence. President Trump expressed support for lifting sanctions on Syria, citing the fall of the Assad regime and a vision for Syria’s future stability. This policy shift was heavily influenced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s proposal to reintegrate Syria into the regional order.
Iran’s growing influence and its contentious nuclear programme were significant concerns raised during Trump’s engagements. Historically, Iran—especially under the Pahlavi regime—maintained ties with Israel, supporting it through military training and interest-free loans. However, post-1979, following the Islamic Revolution, Iran’s posture shifted dramatically, positioning itself in opposition to Israel and the Gulf states. Gulf nations, predominantly Sunni, view Iran’s use of Shia populations across the region to foment unrest as a major security threat.
Iran’s advancement in uranium enrichment and missile technology also raised alarm. Many in the region fear that Iranian missiles, if used against Israel, would traverse Saudi airspace—endangering the sanctity of sites such as the Holy Kaaba, over which strict flight restrictions exist. Trump’s firm stance was that Iran must not exploit its nuclear capabilities to threaten peaceful neighbours.
Saudi Arabia:
In Riyadh, President Trump was warmly received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A state banquet was held in his honour at the Royal Court, attended by King Salman and other dignitaries. Trump praised the transformative leadership of the Crown Prince and highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts toward regional peace and economic reform.
The United States secured a $600 billion Saudi investment deal alongside a $142 billion defence package. Trump also encouraged Saudi Arabia to formally join the Abraham Accords—agreements initiated during his first term that normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Qatar:
Relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia remain complex. Though diplomatic ties were restored in 2021 following a three-year boycott, tensions persist due to Qatar’s independent foreign policy and close relations with Iran and Turkey—both viewed sceptically by Riyadh.
Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military base in the Middle East, which solidifies its strategic importance. Trump’s visit included discussions on this point of divergence, particularly regarding media influence. The Qatari government reportedly agreed to curb the editorial freedoms of Al Jazeera, whose coverage has often been critical of Saudi Arabia, its allies, and Israel.
UAE:
Trump’s final stop was the United Arab Emirates, where he signed agreements totalling \$200 billion. These included joint ventures in artificial intelligence and infrastructure development. The visit underscored the UAE’s rising role as a regional innovation hub and key partner in American economic and strategic interests.
Cultural Moments and Symbolism
Trump’s visit included traditional cultural engagements. In Riyadh, he attended a ceremonial banquet and participated in a performance of the Al-Ayyala, a traditional war dance of the Gulf region. Though some social media criticism emerged over perceptions of the dance, it was widely appreciated in its cultural context.
The tour also included symbolic moments of warmth—such as Trump addressing the Crown Prince by a name used by his mother, which reportedly delighted the royal host. Trump described the visit as a gesture of peace, economic cooperation, and mutual respect.
President Trump’s Middle East tour was marked by strategic agreements, diplomatic recalibrations, and cultural diplomacy. His calls for peace and economic collaboration, coupled with hardline stances on Iran, were framed in religious and historical language, evoking biblical sentiments of peacemaking. While critics may question the long-term impact, the tour was a significant display of American influence in the region and a reaffirmation of Trump’s approach to diplomacy through personal rapport and economic leverage.