Former President Donald Trump concluded a four-day Middle East tour marked by lavish receptions and significant business agreements with Gulf states, generating buzz around U.S. foreign policy shifts and economic alliances. This trip wrapped its final day in Abu Dhabi, where Trump engaged with business leaders and highlighted the region's economic potential.
Earlier in the week, Trump had visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar, making it the first major international venture of his second term. A highlight of the visit was an extraordinary meeting with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara, which signified a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Syria. Notably, Trump announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria, offering a much-needed economic boost to a nation reeling from civil war.
The White House claimed the visit resulted in agreements worth hundreds of billions of dollars for U.S. firms, including a substantial order from Qatar for Boeing jets, although many of these deals appear to have been anticipated ahead of the trip.
Trump suggested progress in nuclear negotiations with Iran, maintaining that the U.S. would not permit Tehran to develop nuclear weapons and stating, “We are in very serious negotiations with Iran for long-term peace.”
Despite the intensity of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli strikes have led to significant civilian casualties, Trump notably did not meet with Israeli officials during this trip. He issued a measured commentary on the situation, acknowledging the humanitarian crisis by stating, “There’s a lot of people starving, a lot of bad things going on,” emphasizing the need for resolution.
As for the Ukraine crisis, Trump opted not to travel to Turkey to potentially enhance cease-fire discussions, despite ongoing talks in Istanbul involving Russian and Ukrainian officials, as well as senior Trump administration representatives. With Russian President Vladimir Putin absent, expectations for significant advancements seemed to dwindle.
Journalist Qasim Nauman reports on these developments from Seoul.
