WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, kicking off a three-day tour that will also include visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Describing the trip as a “historic return to the Middle East,” the White House emphasized that this is Trump’s first official state visit of his second term, with aims to bolster regional alliances and advance U.S. interests.
During his stay in Saudi Arabia, Trump is expected to seek a substantial boost in economic ties, notably aiming to secure over $1 trillion in investments from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This marks an increase from the Crown Prince’s previous pledge of $600 billion, signaling a strong push for economic expansion and U.S.-Saudi collaboration.
Diplomatically, Trump plans to engage with regional issues such as advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and encouraging the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Additionally, the President’s visit comes amid ongoing discussions about easing sanctions on Syria’s interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who ousted Bashar al-Assad in December. Trump indicated he is considering removing sanctions on this new Syrian authority, a move likely to influence regional dynamics.
The trip also coincides with ongoing nuclear negotiations involving Iran. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently held the fourth round of talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman. While the negotiations continue, the U.S. administration has issued mixed signals regarding the scope of Iran’s nuclear activities permissible under any future agreement.
As regional leaders and global observers watch closely, Trump’s Middle East tour aims to reinforce American influence, secure economic investments, and shape the future of regional diplomacy amid complex geopolitical developments.
