From Oil Gifts to Historic Deals: The Triumphs and Tensions of Trump's Middle East Tour

As Air Force One takes to the skies, Donald Trump completes a whirlwind tour of the Middle East, leaving a trail of historic agreements and lingering tensions.

Multibillion-Dollar Agreements

This tour marks the first foreign journey of Trump’s second presidency, accompanied by a cadre of US business leaders and top officials. Asstated in Sky News, multibillion-dollar deals were signed, including a spectacular $142 billion arms agreement with Saudi Arabia. From the UAE to Qatar, the former President championed economic collaborations, not shy to take pride in the wave of forthcoming jobs and wealth entering the US economy.

Political Shifts and Controversies

While business occupied the spotlight, Trump’s diplomatic stances created ripples. Decisively, he lifted sanctions on Syria and engaged directly with its new leader, Ahmed al Sharaa. Further, whispers of progress in nuclear negotiations with Iran hinted at potential breakthroughs despite Trump’s absence from Ukraine-Russia peace discussions.

A Notable Omission

Significantly, Israel wasn’t on Trump’s itinerary. Instead, talks have begun with senior Hamas officials, directly seeking peace in Gaza—an audacious sign of shifting alliances. Nonetheless, Trump’s ventures into human rights discourse remained limited during his visits to the politically volatile region.

Iran’s Nuclear Dialogue and a Forgotten Anniversary

Trump’s assertive stance on Iran was another cornerstone of the trip, reiterating urgent actions concerning nuclear concessions. Meanwhile, talks of costly military parades in the US aligned with the 250th Army anniversary seemed to divert attention from the VE Day celebrations—a historical oversight that didn’t go unnoticed.

Wrapping Up at the Abrahamic Family House

Before departing from the Middle East, Trump visited the newly established Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi—a significant gesture aimed at symbolizing unity among diverse religious communities. His praise for the ‘great leaders’ he encountered demonstrated a shift in traditional US foreign policy approaches, ushering in a new era where diplomacy is woven with economic transactions.

Farewell to the Middle East

Finally, under a barrage of cameras at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Trump bade farewell, embarking on a journey back to the US with a brief stopover in the UK for refueling. This landmark tour, filled with momentous agreements and bold rhetoric, sets the stage for the next chapter in US-Middle East relations.