Trump Begins Mideast Visit with Saudi Crown Prince
Trump Saudi Arabia visit: President Donald Trump opened his four-day Middle East trip on Tuesday by meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Key issues on the table include Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the ongoing war in Gaza, and global oil prices.
The crown prince is set to host Trump with a formal dinner and a Gulf Cooperation Council gathering, including leaders from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Oil and Inflation: A Strategic Priority
Saudi Arabia and OPEC+ have increased oil production early in Trump’s second term. The president believes that lower oil prices are essential for curbing inflation and weakening Russia’s position in Ukraine. Yet, Saudi Arabia still requires oil prices near $96–$98 a barrel to balance its budget—well above the current price of $64.77.
Real Estate and Personal Ties
All three countries on Trump’s itinerary—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE—have business ties with the Trump Organization. Projects include a Jeddah tower, a Dubai hotel, and a golf complex in Qatar, managed by Trump’s sons.
Trump’s Gulf Focus Leaves Israel in the Dark
In a notable move, Trump is skipping Israel on this trip. This follows a pattern: Israel has not been informed of key decisions, including a recent U.S. truce with Yemen’s Houthis and ongoing nuclear talks with Iran. Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed frustration, saying, “Israel will defend itself by itself.”
Abraham Accords 2.0?
Trump hopes to revive his normalization strategy between Israel and Arab nations. But Saudi Arabia wants U.S. security guarantees, nuclear program support, and progress toward Palestinian statehood—an unlikely outcome amid the ongoing Gaza war.
Crown Prince bin Salman recently hosted Palestinian Vice President Hussein Sheikh, signaling that the kingdom expects progress on Palestinian issues before moving toward Israel.
What’s in a Name: Persian or Arabian Gulf?
Trump also hinted that he might change how the U.S. refers to the Persian Gulf—possibly renaming it the Arabian Gulf. Iran’s foreign minister warned such a move would provoke widespread outrage.
Conclusion
Trump is walking a tightrope. He seeks deals on arms, AI, and energy while balancing business interests and fragile diplomacy in a divided region. His Mideast tour sends a clear message: Gulf alliances may now take priority over Israel.
Source: AP News
