On Monday, US President Donald Trump embarked on a journey to the Middle East that he called “historic,” marking his first major international trip of his second term.
As Air Force One took off, Trump set his sights on Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, with the possibility of a side trip to Turkey to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The trip promises to blend urgent diplomatic talks on hot-button issues like Gaza and Iran with high-stakes business deals.
Key Diplomatic Moments Amidst the Middle East Tour
The weight of the Israel-Hamas conflict looms over Trump’s tour, but a positive development emerged just as he was about to depart.
US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander was released to the Red Cross, much to the joy of his family and President Trump, who called the moment “big news” at the White House.
Trump expressed his relief that Alexander, who had been feared dead, was now heading home to his parents.
However, despite this promising development, Trump’s approach to resolving the Gaza conflict seems to have shifted.
He’s been less vocal about his plans to bring an end to the war, despite previously claiming that he could resolve the situation swiftly.
Tensions have also arisen between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly over military actions in Yemen and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump’s Stance on Iran and Gaza
In his pre-departure comments, Trump acknowledged that there were “very good things happening” in the US’s discussions with Iran regarding its nuclear program.
However, he reaffirmed that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
On the Gaza front, Trump expressed hope for more progress during his Middle East trip, suggesting that other hostages might also be freed in the near future.
His hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza are intertwined with his ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.
Hamas has also asked Trump to keep pushing for an end to the conflict, while Israeli officials indicated that they were sending mediators to Qatar for further negotiations.
The Ethics Controversy Around Air Force One
As Trump prepared for his journey, an unexpected ethical dilemma arose.
Qatar, a key player in Middle East diplomacy, announced plans to gift Trump a new Air Force One aircraft.
The offer came after Trump had voiced frustration about the slow progress in replacing the aging planes currently used by the US president.
When asked if accepting a foreign-donated plane raised any concerns, Trump dismissed the idea, calling it “stupid” not to accept the gift.
Despite the ethical questions surrounding this move, Trump’s focus remains on the business and diplomatic aspects of the trip, with defense, aviation, energy, and AI deals expected to dominate discussions in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
Trump’s Return to a Familiar ‘Happy Place’
The first stop on Trump’s tour is Saudi Arabia, a country that holds special significance for the president.
It was here in 2017, during his first overseas trip, that Trump famously posed over a glowing orb with the leaders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
This time, however, Israel is absent from the itinerary, underscoring Trump’s strategic focus on Gulf states and their geopolitical importance.
Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that Trump’s preference for visiting the Gulf states could be seen as a reflection of his own “happy place.”
These wealthy Arab nations have long been key players in Trump’s business dealings, and this trip is expected to yield a mix of diplomatic pomp and lucrative agreements.
A Mix of Business, Diplomacy, and Personal Matters
While Trump’s primary focus on this trip is to secure significant deals, he also made time to take a personal call from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The two leaders discussed the resettlement of 49 white Afrikaner refugees in the United States, a matter that appears to be more pressing for Ramaphosa than for Trump.
Nevertheless, the conversation highlights Trump’s unique position in global affairs, where even personal calls from international leaders contribute to his broader influence.
What’s Next for Donald Trump?
As President Trump continues his Middle East tour, he is expected to navigate a complex mix of diplomacy, international relations, and business interests.
With major talks on the table in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, it’s clear that Trump’s influence is as far-reaching as ever.
Whether this trip will lead to meaningful breakthroughs in Gaza, Iran, or Ukraine remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Trump’s global presence remains a force to be reckoned with.