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The National
16-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Trump's Gulf tour marks reset in ties and long-term US engagement
US President Donald Trump wrapped up a high-stakes tour of the Gulf on Friday, marking what regional observers view as a significant reset in relations between Washington and key Arab allies. His four-day trip, which took him to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, laid the foundation for a new chapter in American engagement with the region, with outcomes likely to endure well beyond Mr Trump's time in office. The US leader secured $2 trillion worth of commercial deals and investment pledges for the US, the White House said, with a focus on sectors including aviation, artificial intelligence, technology, defence and energy. His historic visit was also heavy on symbolism and substance. From Riyadh to Doha and Abu Dhabi, Gulf leaders welcomed Mr Trump with elaborate displays of ceremony. In Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the President on the tarmac. In Doha, Mr Trump's motorcade was flanked by red Tesla Cybertrucks and riders on horseback. And in Abu Dhabi, President Mohamed bin Zayed awarded him the Order of Zayed, the country's highest civilian honour. These gestures were seen as messages of friendship, mutual respect and renewed strategic alignment, echoing in every stop. It was the President's first official foreign visit since returning to office, and it was designed to reassure allies that Washington remains deeply invested in their security and prosperity. While unified in their desire for stronger ties with the US, each Gulf state offered a different angle to the visit. Saudi Arabia presented itself as the geopolitical heavyweight; the UAE highlighted innovation, trade and connectivity; while Qatar focused on defence co-operation and regional security. Throughout the trip, Mr Trump emphasised his vision for a more peaceful and stable Middle East. 'After so many decades of conflict, finally it is within our grasp to reach the future that generations before us could only dream about, a land of peace, safety, harmony, opportunity, innovation and achievement, right here in the Middle East,' he said in an address to the Saudi-US Investment Forum at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh, on Tuesday. In a major foreign policy shift, Mr Trump announced in the same speech the lifting of US sanctions on Syria. While the move offers clear benefits for Damascus, it also marks a potential political win for the President, aligning with his broader vision of promoting regional stability. Lifting the sanctions − which had effectively severed Syria from the global financial system − will pave the way for greater engagement by humanitarian organisations, while also easing the flow of foreign investment and trade as the country begins to rebuild, following the overthrow of the Assad regime in December. This move followed a meeting between Mr Trump and Syria's President Ahmad Al Shara − the first encounter between US and Syrian heads of state in a quarter of a century. The US leader mentioned Lebanon as well. He said the country has been victimised by Hezbollah and its sponsor, Iran, but he expressed optimism about the new leadership in Beirut, calling it 'the first real chance in decades for a more productive partnership with the United States'. 'We're going to see if we can really help them out and let them get over that very high grid,' added Mr Trump. On Iran, speaking in Doha, Mr Trump said a nuclear deal was 'close'. Washington and Tehran have held four rounds of nuclear talks since April, all mediated by Oman. The negotiations aim to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. 'A lot of people want me to go the other route – they say knock it out,' said Mr Trump. He would instead choose the diplomatic route, he added. Still, some of Mr Trump's regional goals remained out of reach. Despite his desire to expand the Abraham Accords, Saudi Arabia had previously made clear that establishing relations with Israel remained 'off the table' in the absence of an irreversible path to Palestinian statehood. The war in Gaza continues to complicate any progress in this. Analysts say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to link military action to his political survival. However, US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators are pressing ahead with efforts to try to end the Israel-Gaza war. As Air Force One departed the region, Mr Trump's tour had achieved its objective of opening new channels of co-operation and potentially setting the tone for the remainder of the administration. But questions remain about whether it has truly rebuilt trust. During Mr Trump's first term, many in the Gulf were left disappointed when the US did not respond militarily to the 2019 drone and missile attack on Saudi oil facilities – widely blamed on Iran. Despite the severity of the strike, which temporarily knocked out half of the kingdom's oil output, Mr Trump opted for sanctions over strikes. This time, the President's message was clear: the US is committed to its Gulf allies for the long term. But he remains, in the eyes of many, unpredictable. Scepticism also lingers, according to experts, over whether the ambitious promises made during the tour will fully materialise.
The National
16-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Trump's Gulf tour marks a reset in ties and long-term US engagement
US President Donald Trump wrapped up a high-stakes tour of the Gulf on Friday, marking what regional observers view as a significant reset in relations between Washington and key Arab allies. His four-day trip, which took him to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, laid the foundation for a new chapter in American engagement with the region, with outcomes likely to endure well beyond Mr Trump's time in office. The US leader secured $2 trillion worth of commercial deals and investment pledges for the US, the White House said, with a focus on sectors including aviation, artificial intelligence, technology, defence and energy. His historic visit was also heavy on symbolism and substance. From Riyadh to Doha and Abu Dhabi, Gulf leaders welcomed Mr Trump with elaborate displays of ceremony. In Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the President on the tarmac. In Doha, Mr Trump's motorcade was flanked by red Tesla Cybertrucks and riders on horseback. And in Abu Dhabi, President Mohamed bin Zayed awarded him the Order of Zayed, the country's highest civilian honour. These gestures were seen as messages of friendship, mutual respect and renewed strategic alignment, echoing in every stop. It was the President's first official foreign visit since returning to office, and it was designed to reassure allies that Washington remains deeply invested in their security and prosperity. While unified in their desire for stronger ties with the US, each Gulf state offered a different angle to the visit. Saudi Arabia presented itself as the geopolitical heavyweight; the UAE highlighted innovation, trade and connectivity; while Qatar focused on defence co-operation and regional security. Throughout the trip, Mr Trump emphasised his vision for a more peaceful and stable Middle East. 'After so many decades of conflict, finally it is within our grasp to reach the future that generations before us could only dream about, a land of peace, safety, harmony, opportunity, innovation and achievement, right here in the Middle East,' he said in an address to the Saudi-US Investment Forum at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh, on Tuesday. In a major foreign policy shift, Mr Trump announced in the same speech the lifting of US sanctions on Syria. While the move offers clear benefits for Damascus, it also marks a potential political win for the President, aligning with his broader vision of promoting regional stability. Lifting the sanctions − which had effectively severed Syria from the global financial system − will pave the way for greater engagement by humanitarian organisations, while also easing the flow of foreign investment and trade as the country begins to rebuild, following the overthrow of the Assad regime in December. This move followed a meeting between Mr Trump and Syria's President Ahmad Al Shara − the first encounter between US and Syrian heads of state in a quarter of a century. The US leader mentioned Lebanon as well. He said the country has been victimised by Hezbollah and its sponsor, Iran, but he expressed optimism about new leadership in Beirut, calling it 'the first real chance in decades for a more productive partnership with the United States'. 'We're going to see if we can really help them out and let them get over that very high grid,' added Mr Trump. On Iran, speaking in Doha, Mr Trump said a nuclear deal was 'close'. Washington and Tehran have held four rounds of nuclear talks since April, all mediated by Oman. The negotiations aim to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. 'A lot of people want me to go the other route – they say knock it out,' said Mr Trump. He would instead choose the diplomatic route, he added. Still, some of Mr Trump's regional goals remained out of reach. Despite his desire to expand the Abraham Accords, Saudi Arabia had previously made clear that establishing relations with Israel remains 'off the table' in the absence of an irreversible path to Palestinian statehood. The war in Gaza continues to complicate any progress in this. Analysts say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to link military action to his political survival. However, US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators are pressing ahead with efforts to try to end the Israel-Gaza war. As Air Force One departed the region, Mr Trump's tour had achieved its objective of opening new channels of co-operation and potentially setting the tone for the remainder of the administration. But questions remain about whether it has truly rebuilt trust. During Mr Trump's first term, many in the Gulf were left disappointed when the US did not respond militarily to the 2019 drone and missile attack on Saudi oil facilities – widely blamed on Iran. Despite the severity of the strike, which temporarily knocked out half of the kingdom's oil output, Mr Trump opted for sanctions over strikes. This time, the President's message was clear: the US is committed to its Gulf allies for the long term. But he remains, in the eyes of many, unpredictable. Scepticism also lingers, according to experts, over whether the ambitious promises made during the tour will fully materialise.
RNZ News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
On Trump's second day in the Middle East, a 'tough guy', cybertrucks and a snub
By Middle East correspondent Matthew Doran , ABC Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani shakes the hand of the US President Donald Trump at the start of a state dinner at the Lusail Palace in Doha on May 14, 2025. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East is certainly sending shockwaves across the region, as the president outlines his vision for relations between the United States and Arab states. It's been a trip so far complete with jets, Tesla Cybertrucks and a meeting with a former Al-Qaeda militant. But there's also been notable omissions, of Israel in particular. Here's what happened on the second day of Trump's visit in the region. The announcement the United States would lift crippling sanctions on Syria, imposed during the rule of the oppressive Assad regime, was something which had been discussed since the former government was ousted. But it came as a surprise when Trump used a speech in Saudi Arabia to announce he had been convinced to scrap the measures, much to the delight of his host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. It led to a meeting between President Trump and the new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday morning (local time) in Riyadh. That is something which would have been considered unthinkable just a couple of months ago, but which people like the Saudi Crown Prince had been pushing to bolster the militant-turned-politician's credentials. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, centre left, looks on as US President Donald Trump departs after a bilateral meeting in Riyadh on May 13, 2025. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski And the pair seemed to have hit it off, with President Trump asked by journalists on Air Force One how he found the Syrian President. "Great. I think a very good, young, attractive guy. Tough guy," he replied. "A strong past, very strong past, fighter. "He's got a real shot at pulling it together." Trump cited the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who he said felt Al-Sharaa had a "good shot at doing a good job" in pulling together "a torn-up country". Until December last year, Ahmed al-Sharaa was subject to a US$10 million (NZ$16.5m) bounty. Trump was asked whether the Syrian leader floated the idea of a Trump Tower project in Damascus. "No, that I haven't heard. We'll have to wait a little while, when things have calmed down, with the, you know, the country," he said. "I think he's got the potential. He's a real leader. "He led a charge and it's pretty amazing." Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaking in Damascus on 29 March. Photo: AFP Trump's trip to the Middle East does not include a stop in Israel - despite his assertions that no American president has ever done more for the country, and the US influence on the war in Gaza. The president insisted he is not sidelining Israel by focusing his efforts on the Arabian peninsula. This trip is about business. "This is good for Israel," he told reporters on Air Force One. "Having a relationship like I have with these countries, Middle Eastern countries, essentially all of them, I think it's very good for Israel." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to announce he would be the first leader to visit Washington and meet with Trump after his inauguration. And he has returned to the White House for a second visit since. But a reciprocal journey is not yet on the cards. It appears there is a growing sense of impatience and frustration in Washington at how the war in Gaza is being managed by the Netanyahu government, and the lack of progress on a ceasefire and hostage release deal. And there would not be any breakthrough for the US president to announce, if he did appear. The release of the last surviving Israeli American hostage , Edan Alexander on Monday was a gesture of goodwill by Hamas to the United States, and appears to have been done without the direct involvement of Israeli officials. The White House's special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff has been in Israel, and has been meeting with the prime minister. Officials have leaked to Israeli media that the prime minister had asked Trump not to lift sanctions on Syria, and the US has also taken a different path to Israel on dealing with matters such as Iran and Yemen's Houthi rebels. While he is not heading to Israel on this trip, Trump is still leaving the door open for a stopover in Turkey. That would be to join peace talks on the war in Ukraine with Volodymyr Zelensky and, if he shows, the Russian President Vladmir Putin. The Kremlin is refusing to confirm whether the Russian President will attend the talks in Istanbul, after President Zelensky said he would be waiting for Putin in the city. If the Russian leader does not attend, it will fuel the claims he is not willing to meaningfully engage in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. "I know he would like me to be there and that's a possibility," President Trump said. "If we could end the war, I'd be thinking about that. But tomorrow we're all booked out. "We've got to go to UAE tomorrow so we have a very full situation. Now, that doesn't mean I wouldn't do it to save a lot of lives and come back." For Trump, his trip through the Middle East is all about business - securing hundreds of billions of dollars in investment for the United States. One of the deals he signed in Qatar was for the gulf state to spend US$200 billion on 160 Boeing planes, in a massive coup for the American manufacturer. The timing of that agreement is interesting, given the turbulence President Trump is facing over plans to accept the gift of a luxury plane from the Qatari government . It is a US$400m jet he wants to temporarily use in place of the aging Air Force One. The issue has sparked major concerns in the United States about the impropriety of accepting such an expensive gift, and the national security risk of using a plane not built for purpose. The president has expressed his frustration at delays by Boeing to build two new planes for use as Air Force One. As Trump arrived in Qatar for the second stop on his Middle Eastern trip, roads in Doha were cleared ahead of his motorcade travelling from the airport to the Qatari Emir's palace. It is a common sight to see legions of police cars, motorbikes and support vehicles in those convoys. Even horses, in the Middle East. But something caught the eye of onlookers. At the front of the motorcade, two Tesla Cybertrucks - decked out in the red branding of Qatar police. Videos posted on social media show the police have been using the angular vehicles for months now, but the inclusion in the president's convoy is notable. That is because one of Trump's key lieutenants, the Tesla owning billionaire Elon Musk, is travelling with him through the Middle East as part of a delegation of tech leaders. And when the Qataris are trying to woo the President, every little bit helps.
Arab News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Decoding Trump's historic Riyadh speech
The words 'historic' and 'groundbreaking' are probably used far too often by pundits. Sometimes, they are awfully misplaced, such as when used in contexts like that of former US President Barack Obama's Cairo speech of 2009. However, there is no doubt that President Donald Trump's Riyadh speech of May 13, 2025, will go down in the history books as a turning point — not just for Saudi-US relations, but for the whole region as well. In fact, Trump's Riyadh address brought so much energy that one could almost say he got a rockstar reception. His words resonated deeply, marking a significant juncture in US-Arab relations. There were three main points that made the speech historic: Trump's statesman's overture; his acknowledgment of previous US mistakes; and his celebration of regional triumphs, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Firstly, Trump extended an olive branch to Iran, signaling a potential shift in the region's dynamics. He addressed the Syrian crisis by lifting US sanctions on Damascus and expressed a commitment to improving conditions for Palestinians. Furthermore, he pledged support for rebuilding Lebanon, showcasing a comprehensive approach to regional stability. He also thanked Saudi Arabia for its efforts in mediating between Russia and Ukraine. Secondly, in a candid acknowledgment, Trump addressed the missteps of past US foreign policy. He criticized the interventionist strategies of both neoconservatives such as George W. Bush and liberal administrations such as Obama's for burdening the region with added challenges. From Bush's 2003 invasion of Iraq, which Saudi Arabia strongly warned against, to the disastrous results of the so-called Arab Spring, which was passionately encouraged by Obama's 'mis-adviser' Ben Rhodes and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, he correctly identified the errors made by America in its policy toward the region this century. In the run-up to the US invasion of Iraq, we recall how Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal had raised serious concerns. 'What's going to happen to them (Iraqi soldiers and officials), especially since the army was disbanded and the government fired? And who's going to rule Iraq if you have that?' he asked. 'Saddam Hussein had perhaps 2 million people controlling Iraq. The US and its allies have close to 150,000. How do you make that work?' Trump's address will go down in the history books as a turning point — not just for Saudi-US relations, but for the whole region as well. Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief The debate at the time was not over whether or not Saddam's regime was evil, but whether or not the US had a plan for the day after — as it turned out, it didn't, yet the invasion went ahead anyway. 'In the end, the so-called nation-builders wrecked far more nations than they built and the interventionists were intervening in complex societies that they did not even understand themselves. They told you how to do it, but they had no idea how to do it themselves,' Trump said. 'Peace, prosperity and progress ultimately came not from a radical rejection of your heritage, but rather from embracing your national traditions and embracing that same heritage that you love so dearly.' Trump went on to set the stage for a profitable new era working alongside the forward-looking countries of the Middle East. 'Before our eyes,' he said, 'a new generation of leaders is transcending the ancient conflicts and tired divisions of the past and forging a future where the Middle East is defined by commerce, not chaos. Where it exports technology, not terrorism. Where people of different nations, religions and creeds are building cities together, not bombing each other out of existence. 'And it is crucial for the wider world to note this great transformation has not come from Western interventionists, flying people in beautiful planes, giving you lectures on how to live and how to govern your own affairs. No. The gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation-builders, neocons or liberal nonprofits, like those who spent trillions and trillions of dollars failing to develop Kabul and Baghdad, so many other cities.' Thirdly, Trump lauded the achievements of the Gulf Cooperation Council, with particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. He reaffirmed American support for these states' ongoing transformations. The Kingdom, in particular, has undergone a dramatic transition in the nine years since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled the Vision 2030 plan that is revolutionizing all aspects of the Saudi economy and society. 'The birth of a modern Middle East has been brought by the people of the region themselves; the people that are right here, the people that have lived here all their lives, developing your own sovereign countries, pursuing your own unique visions and charting your own destinies, in your own way,' Trump said. 'It is really incredible what you have done.' Additionally, he renewed the 80-year US commitment to defending Saudi Arabia. However, he clearly indicated that the relationship goes far beyond security and that the US is a firm believer in the Kingdom's leadership. 'The transformation that has occurred under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed has been truly extraordinary,' he said. 'I've never seen anything at that scale happen before.' Of the crown prince, he added, 'I really believe we like each other a lot,' telling him: 'You achieved a modern miracle the Arabian way.'
ABC News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
On Trump's second day in the Middle East, a 'tough guy', cybertrucks and a snub
Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East is certainly sending shockwaves across the region, as the president outlines his vision for vision for relations between the United States and Arab states. It's been a trip so far complete with jets, Tesla Cybertrucks and a meeting with a former Al Qaeda militant. But there's also been notable omissions, of Israel in particular. Here's what happened on the second day of Mr Trump's visit in the region. The announcement the United States would lift crippling sanctions on Syria, imposed during the rule of the oppressive Assad regime, was something which had been discussed since the former government was ousted. But it came as a surprise when Donald Trump used a speech in Saudi Arabia to announce he had been convinced to scrap the measures, much to the delight of his host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. It led to a meeting between President Trump and the new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday morning in Riyadh. That is something which would have been considered unthinkable just a couple of months ago, but which people like the Saudi Crown Prince had been pushing to bolster the militant-turned-politician's credentials. And the pair seemed to have hit it off, with President Trump asked by journalists on Air Force One how he found the Syrian President. "Great. I think a very good, young, attractive guy. Tough guy," he replied. "A strong past, very strong past, fighter. "He's got a real shot at pulling it together." Mr Trump cited the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who he said felt Al-Sharaa had a "good shot at doing a good job" in pulling together "a torn-up country". Until December last year, Ahmed al-Sharaa was subject to a US $10 million bounty. Mr Trump was asked whether the Syrian leader floated the idea of a Trump Tower project in Damascus. "No, that I haven't heard. We'll have to wait a little while, when things have calmed down, with the, you know, the country," he said. "I think he's got the potential. He's a real leader. "He led a charge and it's pretty amazing." Donald Trump's trip to the Middle East does not include a stop in Israel — despite his assertions that no American president has ever done more for the country, and the US influence on the war in Gaza. The president insisted he is not sidelining Israel by focusing his efforts on the Arabian peninsula. This trip is about business. "This is good for Israel," he told reporters on Air Force One. "Having a relationship like I have with these countries, Middle Eastern countries, essentially all of them, I think it's very good for Israel." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to announce he would be the first leader to visit Washington and meet with Donald Trump after his inauguration. And he has returned to the White House for a second visit since. But a reciprocal journey is not yet on the cards. It appears there is a growing sense of impatience and frustration in Washington at how the war in Gaza is being managed by the Netanyahu government, and the lack of progress on a ceasefire and hostage release deal. And there would not be any breakthrough for the US president to announce, if he did appear. The release of the last surviving Israeli American hostage, Edan Alexander on Monday was a gesture of goodwill by Hamas to the United States, and appears to have been done without the direct involvement of Israeli officials. The White House's special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff has been in Israel, and has been meeting with the Prime Minister. Officials have leaked to Israeli media that the prime minister had asked Mr Trump not to lift sanctions on Syria, and the US has also taken a different path to Israel on dealing with matters such as Iran and Yemen's Houthi rebels. While he is not heading to Israel on this trip, Donald Trump is still leaving the door open for a stopover in Turkiye. That would be to join peace talks on the war in Ukraine with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and, if he shows, the Vladmir Putin. The Kremlin is refusing to confirm whether the Russian President will attend the talks in Istanbul, after President Zelenskyy said he would be waiting for Mr Putin in the city. If the Russian leader does not attend, it will fuel the claims he is not willing to meaningfully engage in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. "I know he would like me to be there and that's a possibility," President Trump said. "If we could end the war, I'd be thinking about that. But tomorrow we're all booked out. "We've got to go to UAE tomorrow so we have a very full situation. Now, that doesn't mean I wouldn't do it to save a lot of lives and come back." For Donald Trump, his trip through the Middle East is all about business — securing hundreds of billions of dollars in investment for the United States. One of the deals he signed in Qatar was for the gulf state to spend US $200 billion on 160 Boeing planes, in a massive coup for the American manufacturer. The timing of that agreement is interesting, given the turbulence President Trump is facing over plans to accept the gift of a luxury plane from the Qatari government. It is a US$400 million jet he wants to temporarily use in place of the aging Air Force One. The issue has sparked major concerns in the United States about impropriety of accepting such an expensive gift, and the national security risk of using a plane not built for purpose. The president has expressed his frustration at delays by Boeing to build two new planes for use as Air Force One. As Donald Trump arrived in Qatar for the second stop on his Middle Eastern trip, roads in Doha were cleared ahead of his motorcade travelling from the airport to the Qatari Emir's palace. It is a common sight to see legions of police cars, motorbikes and support vehicles in those convoys. Even horses, in the Middle East. But something caught the eye of onlookers. At the front of the motorcade, two Tesla Cybertrucks — decked out in the red branding of Qatar police. Videos posted on social media show the police have been using the angular vehicles for months now, but the inclusion in the president's convoy is notable. That is because one of Donald Trump's key lieutenants, the Tesla owning billionaire Elon Musk, is travelling with him through the Middle East as part of a delegation of tech leaders. And when the Qataris are trying to woo the President, every little bit helps.
