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According to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump seeks to revive his vision of a "proud, prosperous, and successful Middle East" built on cooperation, commerce, and cultural exchange, rather than extremism. The backdrop of this trip, however, is very different from eight years ago, with the world now grappling with ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, along with a redefined global economic structure.
Red Carpet Welcome and Strategic Talks
Trump is expected to receive a grand welcome from the host nations. In 2017, his image was famously projected onto the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh, and similar gestures are anticipated again. His hosts are likely to be warm and keen on making deals, offering him a favourable environment for discussions.
During the trip, Trump will also visit American service members stationed at a US air base in Qatar. One notable aspect of the 2017 visit was a viral image featuring Trump, Egypt's Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud holding a glowing orb, symbolizing unity against extremism. Observers are curious to see what symbolic moment may define this trip.
Economically, Trump aims to secure major trade and investment deals with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These agreements could include sectors like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, potentially boosting US investments and enhancing Trump's reputation as a skilled negotiator.
Qatar's role as a mediator in efforts involving Israel, Hamas, and the US is also expected to be a key discussion point. Saudi Arabia's engagement with Russia amid efforts to end the Ukraine war will likely be addressed as well.
In a surprising move, the Qatari Ministry of Defense is reportedly gifting a Boeing 747-8 jet, which will be converted into the new Air Force One. This rare government-to-government gesture is raising ethical and legal concerns, given the aircraft's significant value.
Iran Nuclear Talks and Leadership Shifts
Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has recently conducted a fourth round of nuclear negotiations with Iran in Oman. The discussions are said to be progressing, with plans to focus on technical issues.
Key Gulf nations, while cautiously supportive, are expected to seek clarity on the scope and terms of any potential nuclear agreement. Questions remain about whether the administration will allow limited enrichment or demand a complete halt to Iran's nuclear program. There's also concern about addressing Iran's support for regional militant activities, including its missile programs.
Trump has stated that no decision has been made yet on Iran's nuclear capabilities. These issues are expected to be central during discussions with Gulf leaders.
Meanwhile, there has been a major shakeup in Trump's national security team. Mike Waltz has been nominated for UN ambassador, while Marco Rubio temporarily steps in as national security adviser. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are also part of the delegation. Though Jared Kushner isn't joining the trip, he continues to play a behind-the-scenes role in regional diplomacy.
Unspoken Topics and the Israel Situation
While Trump may focus on highlighting economic partnerships, some sensitive issues might remain unspoken. For example, Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its treatment of women are not expected to be discussed publicly.
The Trump Organization has real estate projects in all three countries on the itinerary, though none of Trump's family members are officially part of the visit. Eric Trump recently emphasized the importance of strong US-Gulf ties, underscoring mutual economic dependence.
Notably, the trip will not include a visit to Israel. Since Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks and the ongoing Gaza conflict, the relationship between Israel and neighbouring Arab states has become more complex. There have been discussions about expanding the Abraham Accords, but Saudi Arabia has made clear it will not normalize ties with Israel without progress on Palestinian statehood and a resolution to the Gaza war.
An Israeli official has indicated that the next phase of military operations in Gaza will begin after Trump's trip. Meanwhile, Hamas announced the planned release of Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage, calling it a goodwill gesture.
As Trump navigates this sensitive diplomatic landscape, the outcomes of the visit—both seen and unseen—could have lasting impacts on Middle Eastern alliances and global policy directions.
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