Trump reshapes Middle East

2025-04-20 04:37:32

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump is preparing for his first overseas trip of his second term, with a visit to Saudi Arabia planned for mid-May. This marks a return to a familiar diplomatic approach, as Riyadh was also the first foreign stop of his initial presidency back in 2017—a gesture that emphasized the region’s strategic significance to Washington.

Though the White House has yet to publicly outline the purpose of the trip, sources cited by Axios suggest that Trump's goal is to reinforce alliances with Gulf nations and explore ways to bring greater stability to the Middle East. The visit may also serve as a backdrop for potential peace negotiations involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, as both US and Russian officials have recently held meetings in the Saudi capital.

Initially scheduled for April 28, the trip was delayed to May in part due to Saudi hopes that a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire would be in place by then, adding symbolic weight to the visit. Trump's itinerary will also include stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, forming a diplomatic tour of the Gulf’s most influential states.

This tour highlights a broader pivot in US foreign policy under Trump. While European leaders remain cautious or even critical of him, Gulf nations are engaging more openly. These countries and Trump appear aligned on pragmatic priorities—regional stability, economic development, energy cooperation, and countering Iran’s influence.

The Gulf states themselves have evolved into major international players. Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and boost global influence. Qatar, despite its small size, is a key mediator in regional conflicts and an active force in humanitarian efforts. The UAE has positioned itself as a leader in tech innovation and logistics, aspiring to become the “Singapore of the Middle East.”

Together, these nations now wield considerable global clout, making them vital partners as Trump looks to reshape America’s approach to the Middle East.

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