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US President Donald Trump visits Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar to secure business deals and reinforce diplomatic partnerships amid ceasefire agreements and nuclear talks.
Trump Heads to the Gulf Eyeing Deals Amid Diplomatic Offensive
Published: May 13, 2025
Source: AFP | By Agence France-Presse
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, kicking off a Gulf tour that also includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The primary agenda? Securing major business deals, even as political accords across the Middle East remain challenging.
This marks Trump’s first major international trip of his second presidential term, and echoes his 2017 decision to begin his foreign policy outreach in the oil-rich region. Back then, Trump famously posed with a glowing orb and joined a traditional sword dance—images that became symbolic of his Middle East engagement.
🔥 Why the Gulf Matters in Trump’s Foreign Policy
Trump’s renewed focus on the Gulf highlights the growing geopolitical importance of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. These nations have also emerged as key economic and diplomatic allies throughout his presidency.
🛢️ Oil diplomacy and strategic military alliances remain central to US interests in the region.
💼 Trump is also known to maintain personal business interests in Gulf markets, adding a layer of commercial motivation to his trip.
✈️ Recent Diplomatic Wins Before the Tour
The White House emphasized that this visit comes at a time of recent diplomatic progress, including:
- 🤝 Ceasefire between India and Pakistan, reportedly facilitated by US mediation
- 🚨 Release of an American hostage from Gaza
- ☢️ Resumption of nuclear negotiations with Iran
- 🕊️ A truce with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, announced last week
💬 Focus on Business Deals
According to Daniel B. Shapiro of the Atlantic Council, Trump’s administration has signaled that this trip will center around “deals.”
The Gulf states are expected to offer high-level receptions and potential investments in the range of hundreds of billions of dollars.
Key Highlights:
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia is preparing a $600 billion trade and investment package, which Trump has suggested could increase to $1 trillion
- ✈️ A push to secure F-35 fighter jets and advanced air defense systems for Saudi Arabia is underway
- 📝 Delivery terms are reportedly conditioned to be fulfilled during Trump’s second term
“I’ll be asking the crown prince, who’s a fantastic guy, to round it out to around one trillion. I think they’ll do that because we’ve been very good to them,” Trump stated.
🌍 Strategic Gulf Partnerships
The Gulf states are playing a pivotal role in Trump’s Middle East strategy:
- Doha (Qatar) continues to act as a negotiating hub for Hamas-Israel talks
- Riyadh has supported peace discussions surrounding Ukraine
Trump’s spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt described the tour as a “historic return” aimed at replacing “extremism with commerce and cultural exchange.”
✅ Summary
- Trump begins his Gulf tour in Saudi Arabia, followed by UAE and Qatar
- Focus areas: Business deals, diplomatic alliances, military sales
- Saudi Arabia plans $600B–$1T in US investments
- Talks underway for F-35 jets and air defense systems
- Region’s importance continues to grow in Trump’s second term foreign policy
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