&w=3840&q=100)
Shifting sands: Trump's Gulf diplomacy redraws alliances, leaves Israel isolated
Nothing captured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's isolation more starkly this week than the image of US President Donald Trump shaking hands with Syria's Islamist leader Ahmed al‑Sharaa a man Israel has branded 'an al‑Qaeda terrorist in a suit.' read more
US President Donald Trump's recent tour across Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates has seemingly solidified a new Sunni-led order in West Asia, leaving long-standing ally Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an increasingly isolated position.
The four-day diplomatic push, driven by substantial arms, business and technology agreements, signals a recalibration of Washington's regional priorities: a transactional, interest-driven diplomacy that prizes arms deals, economic partnerships and regional de-escalation over ideological loyalty that appears to be at odds with Netanyahu's agenda.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The most striking moment came in Riyadh, where Trump shook hands with Syria's new Islamist leader Ahmed al-Sharaa — a figure Israel has branded an 'al-Qaeda terrorist in a suit.'
Trump's positive remarks about Sharaa, following their meeting brokered by Saudi Arabia, highlighted a willingness to engage with entities previously considered beyond the pale by Israel. This move, coupled with the lucrative deals secured with the Sunni Gulf states, points towards a US strategy that prioritises a unified Sunni bloc as a counterweight to a diminished Iran, whose 'axis of resistance' has been significantly weakened by internal pressures and Israeli military actions against its proxies.
The new Sunni-centric order
Trump's whirlwind tour through Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE wasn't merely a victory lap for the dealmaker-president. It marked the consolidation of a Sunni-led regional order, one that marginalises both Iran's diminished 'axis of resistance' and, increasingly, Israel's strategic priorities.
Various reports suggest that growing frustration in Washington over Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict has played a significant role in this diplomatic realignment. Trump's tour, bypassing Israel, is perceived by many as a clear message to Netanyahu that the unconditional U.S. support he has historically relied upon can no longer be taken for granted.
'This administration is very frustrated with Netanyahu and that frustration is showing,' said David Schenker, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs under Republican former President George W. Bush.
'They're very, very transactional, and Netanyahu isn't giving them anything right now.'
While sources emphasised that the US is not abandoning Israel, a vital ally with deep bipartisan support in Washington, the Trump administration appears intent on asserting its own interests in West Asia, Reuters reported.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
According to reports, Netanyahu's perceived inflexibility on key issues, including a ceasefire in Gaza and his opposition to US engagement with Iran over its nuclear program, has reportedly strained the relationship.
The divergence in strategic outlook became apparent earlier this year when Netanyahu's visit to Washington seeking support for military action against Iran was met with Trump's preference for diplomacy. This, followed by Trump's declaration of a ceasefire in Yemen with the Iran-backed Houthis and the direct engagement with Syria, signalled a clear departure from the traditionally aligned US-Israel stance on regional matters.
Riyadh's rising influence
Analysts say the new Middle East order is being shaped not in Tel Aviv but in Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi. These Sunni-led monarchies are eager for advanced US technology and security guarantees amid persistent threats from Iran and its regional proxies.
'In the past, Iran had the leading role,' said a senior regional official. 'Now Saudi Arabia has entered with other tools: the economy, money, investment.'
That ascendancy was most evident in Trump's unexpected decision to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria — a move made at Saudi Arabia's urging and over Israeli objections. It marks a sweeping pivot from years of US support for the opposition to Bashar al-Assad's regime and reflects Gulf-led priorities in stabilising Syria's post-Assad political order under al-Sharaa.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The Trump administration has also announced a ceasefire with the Houthis in Yemen, effectively ending a costly US military campaign in the Red Sea just days after a missile struck Israel's Ben Gurion Airport — a deal viewed as appeasement by Israeli hawks.
Netanyahu under fire at home
Back home, Netanyahu is facing intensifying criticism. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett accused his government of being 'paralysed' in the face of sweeping regional change.
'The Middle East is undergoing tectonic changes before our eyes,' Bennett posted on X. 'Our enemies are getting stronger, and Netanyahu and his gang are passive, as if they don't exist.'
Netanyahu, who is also on trial in Israel for corruption charges he denies, has made no public comments on Trump's tour. But Israeli media have been rife with speculation about deteriorating ties with Washington and fears of diplomatic isolation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
Elon Musk says sorry: Five ways Donald Trump might react – from most to least likely
In a striking reversal, billionaire Elon Musk has walked back his recent attacks on US President Donald Trump, tweeting on Wednesday: 'I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.' The apology comes just days after Musk accused Trump of appearing in the sealed Epstein files, described his landmark legislation as 'an abomination,' and even floated JD Vance as a better presidential candidate. He had also expressed support for Trump's impeachment—before swiftly deleting the posts. The episode marks a rare climbdown for Musk, whose public persona has thrived on provocation. But whether Trump accepts the olive branch remains unclear. Trump's initial response was dismissive yet ambiguous. Asked at a White House press conference whether he would speak to Musk, Trump said: 'I haven't really thought about it… Maybe he's already called. You'd have to ask him. I'd have no problems with it.' The tone, while noncommittal, contrasts sharply with his past remarks, where he called Musk 'a man who has lost his mind', 'a big-time drug addict,' and someone who had 'gone CRAZY!' for criticising his EV mandates. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Trump also warned that Musk could lose government contracts if he backed Democrats. By week's end, the former president had offered what sounded like a final word: 'Wish Elon well.' In Trumpian lexicon, it's often a euphemism for political exile. Here are some possible reactions from Trump: 1. The Cold Shoulder: 'I don't think about Elon' Most Likely Trump's go-to move when crossed: pretend he's unbothered while subtly twisting the knife. He's already said, 'Wish Elon well,' and 'Maybe he's already called.' Expect more of this 'I'm too important to care' posture. 'I don't care about Elon. Never did. But he's been very disloyal. Sad!' 2. Mockery Mode: 'Elon's on drugs again' Highly Likely Having already branded Musk a 'big-time drug addict,' Trump won't resist the temptation to suggest the apology was ketamine-fuelled. It's cruel, personal, and exactly his style. 'Looks like Elon's dealer cut him off—now he's begging for forgiveness.' 3. Revenge with a Smile: 'He knows I'm winning' Very Possible Trump might treat the apology as an admission of defeat. In his world, apologies = weakness. Expect a victory lap on Truth Social. 'Even Elon knows who the real leader is. He wants back in. Not happening!' 4. The WWE Heel Turn: 'Elon's a loser, always was' Somewhat Likely If Trump feels Musk is still a threat—or if Musk dares to hedge his loyalties—expect a scorched-earth takedown, complete with Tesla jabs and X mockery. 'Tesla's collapsing. Twitter's a mess. Elon's a fraud—always was!' 5. Transactional Forgiveness: 'We'll see what he does next' Least Likely—for now While Trump is transactional, this usually comes after public humiliation. Unless Musk grovels publicly or pledges fealty to Trump 2024, forgiveness remains off the table. 'If he plays ball, maybe. But actions speak louder than weird tweets.' Bottom line: Trump doesn't forgive; he negotiates. And he never lets a billionaire apology go to waste without squeezing it for attention, dominance—or revenge.
Mint
29 minutes ago
- Mint
NATO accused of ‘smearing and scapegoating' China: What Beijing said about Mark Rutte's comment
China's embassy in the United Kingdom on Wednesday stated that it strongly disagrees with NATO's 'smearing and scapegoating' of China. This statement was a direct response to comments made earlier this week by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about Beijing's military expansion, said Reuters. A Chinese embassy spokesperson said in a statement that NATO should correct its "misperception" of China. The spokesperson also advised the military alliance to stop promoting its "security anxiety" and "using China as an excuse for its continued military build-up and disruption of global and regional security," Reuters reported. On 9 June 2025, at an event held in London's Chatham House, a think tank on International relations, Mark Rutte claimed that China is "modernising and expanding its military at breakneck speed" by working in collaboration with Russia, North Korea and Iran, according to his speech published on NATO's website. 'Russia is reconstituting its forces with Chinese technology, and producing more weapons faster than we thought,' Rutte said in his speech. 'China is also building its nuclear arsenal as it aims to have more than 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030,' he added. NATO is a military alliance between 32 countries in North America and Europe, which is currently headed by Mark Rutte. The confrontation between China and NATO comes after Rutte openly addressed Russia's role in bringing war back to Europe. In his speech, he also mentioned China's involvement, claiming that it's fuelling Russia's military power, which could prepare 'Russia to use military force against NATO within five years'.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
30 minutes ago
- First Post
'I'm much less confident': Trump on whether US can reach nuclear deal with Iran
US President Donald Trump has said that he is now 'much less confident' about reaching a nuclear deal with Iran. read more US President Donald Trump has said that he is now 'less confident' than he was two months ago about reaching a nuclear deal with Iran. Two days after he rejected the Iranian counter-proposal, Trump told New York Post's 'Pod Force One' podcast that Iran appears to be delaying talks and he is no longer confident about reaching a deal. 'I don't know. I did think so, and I'm getting more and more — less confident about it. They seem to be delaying, and I think that's a shame, but I'm less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them, but I am much less confident of a deal being made,' said Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration and Iran have held five rounds of talks, but the two sides are at loggerheads over the issue of uranium enrichment, with Iran saying it should be allowed to enrich uranium for purported civilian purposes and the Trump administration maintaining that Iran would not be allowed any enrichment. Trump threatens war if no deal is reached Irrespective of Iran signing a deal, it would not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, but it would be preferable to ensure such an outcome with a deal instead of a war, said Trump. 'Well, if they don't make a deal, they're not going to have a nuclear weapon. If they do make a deal, they're not going have a nuclear weapon, too, you know? But they're not going a have a new nuclear weapon, so it's not going to matter from that standpoint. But it would be nicer to do it without warfare, without people dying, it's so much nicer to do it,' said Trump. Earlier on Monday, Trump had warned Iran that the failure to reach a deal could lead to 'death and destruction' in Iran. Trump further told The Post that he does not see the 'same level of enthusiasm for them to make a deal'.
