Trump's Gulf tour: Engineering a new regional order or managing crises?
https://arab.news/2she2
President Donald Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar last week marked a pivotal moment in US Middle East policy and signaled a profound shift in the region's emerging political landscape. As his first foreign tour during his second term in office, the trip aimed to secure massive investment and defense deals, while proposing new approaches to the long-standing crises in Syria, Gaza and Yemen — anchored in a pragmatic vision in which influence and transactional gains are seen as pathways to stability, rather than regime change.
For the US, the visit yielded major gains: more than $3.2 trillion in investment commitments from Gulf states, including one of the largest civilian aviation deals in history with Qatar, the expansion of Al Udeid Air Base and the solidification of the US' military presence in the Gulf. Trump's administration emphasized a deal-oriented approach, focusing on deterring Iran, enforcing ceasefires and engaging with emerging regional players — even controversial ones, such as Syria's new leadership under Ahmad Al-Sharaa.
Saudi Arabia emerged as the central Arab powerbroker, orchestrating the historic meeting between Trump and Al-Sharaa that led to Washington lifting sanctions on Syria. Riyadh also secured record-breaking economic and defense deals and welcomed a de-escalation in Yemen that aligned with its goal of ending the prolonged conflict. The Kingdom asserted itself as the engine of a new regional order, capitalizing on Iran's declining influence.
The US took a deal-oriented approach, focusing on deterring Iran, enforcing ceasefires and engaging with emerging regional players
Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy
The UAE reinforced its status as a technological and financial hub, pledging $1.4 trillion in US investments and benefiting from relaxed export restrictions on advanced artificial intelligence technologies. Abu Dhabi supported Washington's regional agenda while promoting its image as a beacon of tolerance and modernization.
Qatar leveraged the visit to reaffirm its role as a strategic ally. It played a key role in Gaza ceasefire efforts and hostage mediation, sealed a massive aviation deal with Boeing and modernized Al Udeid Air Base. Politically, Qatar positioned itself as a trusted mediator among all parties, maintaining autonomy while aligning with the broader Gulf consensus.
On the front of regional issues, Syria took center stage. The unanticipated meeting between Trump and Al-Sharaa marked a turning point: the US announced the lifting of sanctions on Damascus, signaling the end of the Assad era. Al-Sharaa, a former militant turned political leader, pledged to expel foreign fighters, unify Syria and pursue eventual normalization with Israel. This US-backed endorsement, facilitated by Saudi and Turkish support, redefined the Syrian file and sent shock waves through traditional alliances.
In Gaza, no political breakthrough was achieved. Instead, the focus remained on a humanitarian ceasefire, prisoner swaps and rebuilding efforts, led by Qatar and Egypt. Trump's controversial proposals for 'resettling' Gaza's population in wealthy Arab countries were flatly rejected by the Gulf states, which instead advocated for reconstruction within Gaza and under Palestinian Authority oversight — though without a clear political horizon.
Trump's overtures to Arab capitals sent a clear message: US interests in the region may no longer be tied solely to Israel's preferences
Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy
The Iran file reflected a delicate balance: Trump publicly reinforced sanctions while quietly reopening diplomatic channels, notably through Oman, to explore a potential nuclear agreement. A 'shadow ceasefire' was reached in Yemen, with the US pausing airstrikes on the Houthis in exchange for an end to Red Sea attacks. This convergence of Yemen and Iran strategies underscored a mutual desire to avoid full-scale conflict without conceding strategic ground.
Meanwhile, the visit accelerated the formation of a new regional order, anchored by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Turkiye, with US backing. This emerging coalition has effectively sidelined Iran and — more surprisingly — Israel. Tel Aviv was notably absent from all meetings and Trump's overtures to Arab capitals without coordinating with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a clear message: US interests in the region may no longer be tied solely to Israel's preferences.
Iran, on the other hand, is facing strategic retreat, having lost ground in Syria, Yemen and Gaza. While engaging in backchannel diplomacy, Tehran remains under pressure to show flexibility on its nuclear and regional policies — without yet receiving guarantees on sanctions relief.
Trump's Gulf tour delivered immediate economic and diplomatic dividends but fell short of resolving deep-rooted conflicts. Syria may be on a new path under Al-Sharaa and Yemen has a fragile ceasefire, but the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains politically stagnant. What has emerged is a recalibrated Middle East architecture shaped by Gulf assertiveness, strategic realignments and American deal-making. However, the broader question remains: Are these arrangements the foundation of lasting peace or merely a sophisticated exercise in crisis management?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
43 minutes ago
- Arab News
Oil Updates — crude slips on US stockpile build, Saudi Arabia price cuts
TOKYO/SINGAPORE: Oil edged lower on Thursday after a build in US gasoline and diesel inventories and cuts to Saudi Arabia's July prices for Asian crude buyers, with global economic uncertainty weighing on prices as well. Brent crude futures fell 1 cent to $64.85 a barrel at 9:30 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude lost 11 cents, or 0.2 percent, dropping to $62.74 a barrel. Oil prices closed around 1 percent lower on Wednesday after official data showed that US gasoline and distillate stockpiles grew more than expected, reflecting weaker demand in the world's top economy. Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, cut its July prices for Asian crude buyers to nearly the lowest in four years. 'While the (Saudi) decrease was smaller than anticipated, it suggests demand is soft despite entering the peak demand period,' said ANZ analysts in a note. The price cut by Saudi Arabia follows the OPEC+ move over the weekend to increase output by 411,000 barrels per day for July. OPEC+ is made up of members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia. Weak US economic data and ongoing developments in US-China trade relations also weighed on oil prices, said independent market analyst Tina Teng. 'Simply put, a gloomy global economic trajectory dimmed the demand outlook,' she said. 'Markets are cautiously watching for any progress in trade talks between the world's two top economies.' Data on Wednesday showed that the US services sector contracted for the first time in nearly a year in May while businesses paid higher prices for inputs, indicating the American economy remains in danger of slow growth and high inflation. On the trade front, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China's Xi Jinping was tough and 'extremely hard to make a deal with,' exposing friction between Beijing and Washington after the White House had raised expectations for a long-awaited Xi-Trump phone call this week. Meanwhile, Canada prepared possible reprisals and the EU reported progress in trade talks as new US metals tariffs triggered more disruption in the global economy and added urgency to negotiations with Washington. 'Uncertainty fueled by President Trump's shifting stance on tariffs has intensified fears of a global economic slowdown,' analyst Ole Hansen at Saxo Bank said in a note.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Lulu opens new stores near holy sites to enhance pilgrim experience
Saudi Arabia is hosting millions of pilgrims for this year's Hajj, which is taking place from June 4 to 9. The Kingdom continues to ensure an organized, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims. As part of efforts to enhance pilgrim services, Lulu Group has partnered with Kidanh Development Company, under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, to open new retail stores near key pilgrimage locations, including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. These stores are already operational, providing easy access to essential items such as food, beverages, and personal care products. The agreement was signed by Muhammed Al-Mejmaj, executive manager at Kidanh, and Bashar Naseer Al-Besher, executive administration manager of Lulu Group. The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on improving quality of life and expanding private sector involvement in national development. This partnership marks a significant step toward enhancing the overall Hajj experience through effective public-private collaboration. Kidanh's development strategy includes modernizing traditional market areas near the holy sites to better serve the needs of pilgrims through modern infrastructure and organized retail services. More than 122,000 Indian pilgrims, including over 16,000 from Kerala, are performing Hajj this year. The new Lulu outlets are designed to meet the needs of this diverse and growing pilgrim community by offering trusted products in strategically located stores. Retail outlets have already opened, and shopping is underway, making Lulu one of the first major retailers to begin operating in close proximity to the holy sites. This reinforces Lulu's commitment to service excellence and community support.
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Israeli Strikes Wipe Out Sanaa Return Option for Yemeni Pilgrims
A senior Yemeni official said the government has drawn up comprehensive plans for the post-Hajj period this year, aiming to ensure the safe return of all Yemeni pilgrims, including those travelling from areas controlled by the Iran-aligned Houthi militia, through multiple air and land border crossings. Yemen's Minister of Endowments and Guidance, Dr. Mohammed bin Aida Shabiba, told Asharq Al-Awsat the government, in coordination with relevant authorities, has put in place 'realistic and secure alternative plans to ensure the safe return of Yemeni pilgrims, whether through Seiyun or Aden airports, or via the Al-Wadiah land crossing.' He added that logistical preparations had been stepped up to facilitate smooth transportation and reception operations. Meanwhile, pilgrims began arriving in Mina on Wednesday, the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, for the Day of Tarwiyah, chanting prayers and praises as part of the annual Hajj rituals. Roughly 64% of pilgrims were expected to spend the day in Mina, while 36% were set to head directly to Mount Arafat for the main rite of standing at Arafat. After sunset, they will travel to Muzdalifah to spend the night, before returning to Mina to observe the ritual stoning of the three pillars - Jamarat al-Aqaba, the Middle Jamarah, and the Small Jamarah - on the 10th, 11th, 12th, and for some, the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah. The number of Yemeni pilgrims performing Hajj this season stands at 24,255, the official quota allocated to Yemen by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Separately, Israel has launched nine retaliatory strikes in recent months, destroying Sanaa International Airport and the last civilian aircraft operating there, in addition to targeting ports in Hodeidah, power stations, and two cement factories. The attacks came after the Iran-backed Houthi group fired around 32 ballistic missiles and launched multiple drones at Israel since March. Most of the projectiles caused no significant damage, although one missile exploded near Ben Gurion Airport on May 4 after Israeli air defenses failed to intercept it due to a technical malfunction. Last year, the Houthis seized four civilian aircraft belonging to Yemen Airways, disrupting the travel plans of more than 1,300 pilgrims who remained stranded in the holy sites for an extended period. In a bid to prevent any similar delays this year, Shabiba said the Ministry of Endowments and Guidance had developed a comprehensive post-Hajj plan from the outset. The plan covers all Yemeni pilgrims, with particular attention to those coming from Houthi-held areas, whose suffering has been compounded by the recent Israeli airstrikes that destroyed their aircraft at Sanaa International Airport. 'The Houthi militia recklessly endangered their lives for political gain,' Shabiba said, accusing the group of exploiting the situation at the pilgrims' expense. Shabiba added that the Israeli strikes had 'effectively eliminated the option of air travel via Sanaa,' posing a further challenge to the government's efforts. 'Despite these obstacles,' he said, 'the Ministry, in constant coordination with Yemen Airways, the Land Transport Authority, and all concerned agencies, has developed realistic and secure alternatives to ensure the safe return of all pilgrims. These include flights through Seiyun and Aden airports, as well as travel via the Al-Wadiah land crossing. Preparations have been ramped up to ensure smooth transportation and reception procedures.' The minister also expressed his 'gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its leadership and government, particularly the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, for their generous support and exceptional measures to ensure the comfort of Yemeni pilgrims throughout their journey, from arrival to accommodation and onward travel.'
